Govt school building unsafe, poses threat to students’ lives

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, October 28

The lives of 122 students of Government Primary School, Balian, are in risk as they are forced to study in their dilapidated school building. The school authorities have fitted bamboos in the verandah (extension in front of rooms) to prevent the building from falling while the rooms need immediate repair.

Members of the village youth club have been making the rounds of the education authorities for help. Two days back, they met Sangrur AAP MP Bhagwant Mann, who announced to give Rs 15 lakh to the school.

The school has 105 students of primary classes and 17 of pre-primary classes and it has seven rooms.

“Since the verandah is the main part of our school, there is always a fear among our minds that the portion of the structure that stands on two bamboos might fall anytime,” said a student of Class V.

Another student said during the rainy season, the building started leaking and there was no place for them to sit.

“There are seven rooms. The verandah and three rooms are in a bad shape. We have written to our seniors to declare the worst-affected room unsafe so that we could ask for a financial aid from our authorities,” said Basant Singh, incharge of the school.

Block Primary Education Officer Dharam Singh said, “We have sent the school’s request to the PWD and are awaiting their response.” Some villagers said many times, the cement from roof had fallen on students.

“As we do not have the required money to send my daughter to a private school, my family is compelled to send her to the government school, where her life is always in danger,” rued Kulwant Singh, a local resident.

Joti, a member of the local youth club, said they had been spending money from their pockets for the development of the village.

“After meeting MP Bhagwant Mann, we are hopeful that the village will get all help,” he said. Mann said, “I have sanctioned Rs 15 lakh from my MP fund and the amount will be released in some days. I will release more money, if need arises,” he said.