AJAY SHARMA
Rajouri, April 27: Despite government initiatives to strengthen schools across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Government Middle School (GMS) Nahoti in Sunderbani appears to have been neglected.
According to local sources, this 45-year-old school—located in Ward No. 8 of village Nahoti under the jurisdiction of Zone Lower Hathal—has over 60 kanals of land in its name, yet lacks even the most basic infrastructure.
“Despite the available land, the school does not have a playground, leaving both enrolled students and local children without a safe space to play. Children come here in the evenings to play in local teams, but the absence of a proper playground forces them onto roadsides and other unsafe areas,” lamented a local resident.
They added that the school also lacks a boundary wall, raising safety concerns—especially since it is located next to a busy road.
“Whenever vehicles pass by, children are distracted and at risk of accidents,” the sources noted, adding that “several promises made by former Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, DDC and BDC representatives—including the installation of a hand pump—have not been fulfilled.”
During a public meeting near the Nahoti bridge years ago, it was resolved that a hand pump would be installed in the school to address water scarcity. However, neither the hand pump nor any other promised facilities have been provided.
The local community has issued a strong appeal to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, and especially the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Abishek Sharma, to take immediate action.
They urged the authorities to construct a boundary wall, develop a proper playground, and install a hand pump to ensure basic amenities for the school children.
Villagers have also questioned the role of education officers in the Lower Hathal zone and the Chief Education Officer of Rajouri for not prioritizing the needs of this school, despite repeated representations and community efforts.
“This school, with more than 60 kanals of land, has the potential to become a model institution. But without basic facilities, the education and safety of children remain compromised. The concerned authorities must be held accountable,” said locals.
