At least 8% government schools in the hill state are in a shambles which shows a poor focus on education and its centres in Uttarakhand, if one goes by the findings of the government officers who raided the schools in August and November.
The officers say a total number of 4155 schools were inspected during the two months out of which 365 were found in a dilapidated condition. The figures also include the schools that didn’t have their own buildings and held classes either in the community halls or out in the open or any other places.
In fact, majority of such schools were found in Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Nainital and Pauri district of the state, state post-raid findings. Despite efforts, the education department has failed to strengthen infrastructure facilities especially in the hilly areas where students cover several miles to reach their schools.
Out of 69 schools inspected in August in Chamoli district, 64 were reported to be in a dilapidated condition. One school was closed. But, the condition of the school buildings in the remaining four schools was all right. Besides, 68 schools were serving mid day meal except one. In Nainital, 223 schools were inspected out of which 49 were found to be in a shambles. Only one school was not serving mid day meal to students.
Out of 55 schools inspected in Pithoragarh district, four were in found to be in a bad condition. Districts like Almora reported four dilapidated schools out of 117 inspected. Bageshwar reported 10 schools in a shambles out of 25 inspected and one school didn’t even have its own building. Similarly, out of 41 schools inspected in Rudraprayag, seven were found to be in a dilapidated condition. Inspection conducted during November too yielded similar results.
Out of 349 schools inspected in Pithoragarh, 58 were in a dilapidated condition. Pauri reported 39 schools in a bad condition out of 487 inspected. Out of 196 schools inspected, 24 were in dilapidated following Nainital were condition of 22 schools was bad out of 341 schools inspected.
Out of 55 schools inspected in Pithoragarh district, four were in found to be in a bad condition. Districts like Almora reported four dilapidated schools out of 117 inspected. Bageshwar reported 10 schools in a shambles out of 25 inspected and one school didn’t even have its own building. Similarly, out of 41 schools inspected in Rudraprayag, seven were found to be in a dilapidated condition. Inspection conducted during November too yielded similar results.
Out of 349 schools inspected in Pithoragarh, 58 were in a dilapidated condition. Pauri reported 39 schools in a bad condition out of 487 inspected. Out of 196 schools inspected, 24 were in dilapidated following Nainital were condition of 22 schools was bad out of 341 schools inspected.