Bandipora, J & K : Students of BMS Nowgam Pethkoot a remote area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district are facing major infrastructure difficulties, with around 107 students enrolled in 11 classes having to study in just two available classrooms, according to observations made during a visit to the school.

The severe shortage of space has forced the school to accommodate several classes together. Nursery, LKG, UKG and Class 1 are being conducted in one classroom, while Classes 2 and 3 share another. Classes 4, 5 and 8 are also being taught together due to the limited space available.

The situation has also resulted in classrooms being extended into areas not intended for regular teaching. Class 6 is being conducted inside the school office, while Class 7 is being taught in the verandah.

The school currently has five teachers and one Aaya to manage around 107 students studying across 11 classes. With several classes operating simultaneously in shared and congested spaces, teachers face difficulties in maintaining an effective teaching environment, while students struggle to receive adequate attention and a comfortable space for learning.

The school is also facing shortages of other basic facilities. It reportedly does not have a proper playground or kitchen, while washroom facilities remain inadequate. The classroom matting was found damaged and torn at several places, and furniture is reportedly insufficient to meet the requirements of all students.

Parents and local residents have expressed concern over the conditions, stressing that students in government schools should have access to proper classrooms, adequate furniture, sanitation facilities and other essential amenities required for quality education.

ZEO Quilmuqam Mohammad Hussain acknowledged the shortage of classroom space at BMS Nowgam Pethkoot and said efforts were underway to identify land for construction of a new school building.

“We are trying to get land for construction of a new school building,” the ZEO said.

On the issue of damaged classroom matting, Mohammad Hussain said he had already taken up the matter with the Chief Education Officer, Bandipora, and sought funds for replacing the damaged material.

He said the CEO had assured that funds would be released for purchasing new matting for the school.

The situation at BMS Nowgam Pethkoot highlights the infrastructure difficulties still faced by students and teachers in some rural government schools. With 107 students, 11 classes and only two classrooms, the school requires immediate attention to ensure a more suitable learning environment.

Parents and locals have urged the authorities to speed up the process of identifying suitable land and constructing a new school building. They have also called for immediate improvements in furniture, washrooms, kitchen facilities, playground infrastructure and other basic amenities.

While a new building would provide a long-term solution, residents said temporary measures are equally important to address the present shortage and ensure that students do not have to continue studying in overcrowded classrooms, offices and verandahs.

For the students of BMS Nowgam Pethkoot, the demand is straightforward: adequate classrooms, basic facilities and a safe, comfortable and dignified environment in which to learn.

Report By – Aadil Abdullah