Survey paints dismal picture of govt schools in Srinagar

Rifat Mohidin
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, May 18

A recent survey by the Srinagar district administration on the condition of schools in the largest city of the state has revealed a dismal picture. It shows that only 21 per cent of students in the district are admitted to government-run schools.

The survey was conducted by the administration as it has decided to turn 25 schools in the city into model schools on the lines of Delhi, where the AAP government has brought the government institutions on par with the private schools to provide quality education to students from financially weak backgrounds.

“This is surprising that the students do not prefer government schools. There are 485 government schools and 422 private schools. Only 21,000 students study in government schools while 1,00,000 students study in private schools,” said Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar.

The DC said while the teacher-student ratio was more in government schools, there was a big gap in the admissions. So, the administration was now planning to take several measures.

“In government schools, the teacher-student ratio is 1:5 while it is 1:22 in private schools,” he said. Despite that, 75 per cent students in the government schools were found to be average learners, which was a cause for concern as they would not be able to compete with students of private schools.

While the absence of basic infrastructure and lack of permanent school buildings was a major reason for the low admission rate in government schools, the Srinagar district administration said it had involved teachers in the latest initiatives so that enrolment increases.

“There are no facilities for the disabled students in the government schools. So, the schools will be made disabled friendly. We will make pre-engineered campuses, besides providing round-the-clock water and electricity supply. The schools will have modern furniture, like in private schools,” the official said.

Choudhary said the focus would be on improving learning levels among students.

“There will also be parent-teacher meetings and the involvement of society in the schools. We will also provide transport facility and education will be free of cost for the poor. Teachers will have to go for biometric attendance system,” the DC stated.

Officials said more than 300 schools were functioning from rented accommodations in Srinagar city.