On the back burner: Bhakkar’s dilapidated primary school exposes sorry state of education

Students, teachers urge govt to carry out repairs immediately.

BHAKKAR: These days, the Punjab government is doling out heavy funds to its MPAs so that they could win the hearts and minds of people by launching development projects before the upcoming general elections.

However, there are some areas in Bhakkar district where the government officials have never made their appearance after getting votes in 2013.



The condition of Government Girls Primary School 195/TDA, which is situated in Khansar area, Bhakkar city, speaks volumes about the Punjab government’s lack of concern for education in such areas.

The residents of the area said what else change their leaders would bring if they could not repair a single road. The biggest worry of the villagers is the pathetic condition of the Government Girls Primary School.

The school was built by the government in 1979. The school has been in dire need of repair and expansion for years. Cracks have appeared in many parts of the building. Students and staff fear any part of it may collapse at any time. The walls too have developed cracks and the roof is crumbling.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Deputy District Officer Sofia Noreen said, “I have written many letters to building department officers about the condition of the school building but no action has so far been taken.” She added the school building was constructed 38 years back but still the students are compelled to take classes in the open. “The matter is being delayed due to the negligence of the higher officials.”

Noreen maintained, “The irony is that 60 students are forced to take classes in one room instead of 6 rooms.” She said, “There is only one teacher to teach the students which speaks volumes of the government’s interest to educate children and bringing reforms in the sector.”



The deputy district officer pointed out in many cases, parents do not send their children to the school as they fear the building might collapse any time. “Therefore, the attendance of the students in the school is thin that is affecting their studies,” she said.

Meanwhile, students, teachers, and locals have appealed to the government to carry out repair and maintenance work at the earliest.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2017.