School building incomplete, teacher’s house doubles as classroom
Despite the state government’s claims of strengthening rural school infrastructure to compete with private institutions, the dire state of many government schools presents a stark contrast. Among these, Government Middle School, Dabra, in Bokala Paab Gram Panchayat, of Kaffota subdivision, stands out as a stark reminder of systemic negligence.
Upgraded in 2015 from a primary to a middle school, the institution still lacks a proper building after nearly a decade. The school currently operates from the residence of Rajendra Prasad, an Oriental Teacher (Shastri) and the school’s in-charge, who has shown extraordinary dedication by offering three rooms of his wooden house, including shared access to the bathroom and toilet, free of cost. While his family resides on the upper floor, the school functions on the ground floor.
While Prasad’s dedication deserves recognition, the government’s failure to provide essential infrastructure is glaring. The villagers, who donated land for the school with hopes of better educational opportunities, are now disillusioned.
In 2018, an initial budget of Rs 2 lakh was sanctioned for the construction of the school, resulting in the partial completion of two rooms. However, five years later, an additional Rs 1.8 lakh was provided, which still proved inadequate. Panchayat Pradhan Manisha Chauhan intervened, diverting Rs 1 lakh from the local panchayat fund to build a boundary wall. Engineers estimate that an additional Rs 4 lakh is required to finish the building, but local sources claim that the state government has not taken any action despite repeated requests from the School Management Committee (SMC) and local leaders. The lack of basic infrastructure has led to a sharp decline in student enrolment. Many parents have transferred their children to the school in Kaffota, located 6 km away. At present, only 14 students remain enrolled at the Government Middle School in Dabra, and without immediate improvements, even they may leave, threatening the school’s existence.
Adding to the woes, critical teaching positions remain vacant. While a TGT (Arts) teacher has recently been appointed, the post for TGT (Non-Medical) is still vacant, further straining the school’s resources.
Rajeev Thakur, the Deputy Director of Elementary Education in Sirmaur, acknowledged the challenges, noting that Rs 3.8 lakh has been disbursed so far, but the School Management Committee must submit the Utilisation Certificate (UC) for the funds before additional funds can be released. A junior engineer has been assigned to inspect the site and submit a report. Once the UC is received, Thakur assured that the request for additional funds would be expedited.
Local leaders and villagers have urged MLA Harshwardhan Chauhan, who holds key portfolios in the state government, to take swift action. They emphasise that providing adequate funds and appointing necessary staff are crucial to restore the school’s viability and rebuild trust in public education.
Rajendra Prasad’s relentless commitment, as he continues to host the school in his home for nearly a decade, stands as a symbol of hope amid this bleak situation. His efforts highlight the critical need for systemic support to ensure that the children of this region have access to quality education. Addressing the challenges faced by Government Middle School, Dabra, is not just a matter of completing the building — it is essential to the future of public education. The government must take swift, decisive action to transform the school into a centre of learning and opportunity for local children.
