Education, cleanliness given the go-by at Dera Bassi school

Satinder Pal Singh

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Cleanliness and sanitation at Government Elementary School, Jeoli, near Dera Bassi are a cause for concern for students as well teachers. Despite claims of improving the education delivery system in government schools, not much has changed at the grassroots level.

During a visit to the school, students were found studying in dingy rooms. They were found sitting on the floor.

The quality of education was also poor. Most of the students could not even read and write their name and solve basic mathematics problems.

Wild growth on the school premises makes it difficult for students to play. Water remains accumulated in the ground, which is breeding ground for mosquitoes. The condition of toilets is also deplorable. Broken walls, doors and the lack of cleanliness make the toilets unusable.

Even teachers recruited under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan are not being paid salary on time. Talking about the anomalies, a teacher said “ We have not received our salary for the past seven months. The authorities should take up our case on priority.”

Pardeep Aggarwal, Director General (School Education), said, “It is the duty of the school authorities to maintain cleanliness in the school. They should make sure that the toilets are well maintained. I will send a team to check the condition there.”