Ajay Sharma
Rajouri, October 2: Inspired by a Persian adage, “Maale Muft, Dile Beraham” (Freebies breed a ruthless heart), the School Education department has been treating 54 kanals of donated land as trivial. This disregard for the donor’s generosity suggests a careless approach to the free-of-cost acquisition. Deflating tall claims of the successive governments of bringing infrastructural reforms, Government Middle School (GMS) Nahoti, located in Zone Lower Hathal, District Rajouri, is struggling for basic infrastructure for a long time.
According to sources, situated along the PMGSY road connecting to Rajouri via Litter Devak, the school spread in an expansive 54 kanals of land, generously donated by a local elder from village No. 8.
“Despite this significant endowment, the school remains neglected, lacking basic infrastructure that could transform it into a model educational institution,” said sources, adding that the absence of a boundary wall has left the school vulnerable, with vehicles passing along the adjacent road causing constant distractions for students.
They said the noise from traffic disrupts classes, diverting children’s attention from their studies.
Moreover, the lack of a protective barrier has jeopardized efforts to maintain the school’s green initiatives.
“Each year, over 1,000 saplings are planted on the school premises as part of environmental drives, particularly during Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations, but without a boundary wall, only a handful of these plants—estimated at 10 to 20—survive, as most are damaged or destroyed being unprotected and open campus.
Villagers maintained that locals have repeatedly urged senior education officers, including the Chief Education Officer of Rajouri and other officials, to address this pressing issue.
However, these pleas have met with inadequate responses. “It is disheartening to see such a large plot of land, donated for a social cause and for better of school education facility, being overlooked by the authorities,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, adding “A boundary wall would not only protect the plantations but also create a safe and focused learning environment for the children.”
Sources said that the school’s 54 kanals make it one of the largest government school campuses in the region, a rarity even compared to schools in Jammu.
“Yet, its potential remains untapped due to administrative neglect,” sources lamented.
Meanwhile, locals highlighted that a boundary wall would enhance the school’s aesthetic appeal but it is an elementary requisite, safeguard its greenery, and, most importantly, allow students to concentrate on their education without external disturbances.
They alleged that repetitive requests to Chief Education Officer has yielded little or no attention.
“We request the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri to intervene and investigate why a school with such significant resources continues to be ignored by the education administration,” said locals, adding that besides fixing the responsibility, Deputy Commissioner must also ensure that a proper boundary wall is erected around the school.
