Srinagar, Oct 8: While the J&K Government boasts of having augmented infrastructure in academic institutions over the years, at least 4000 government-run schools in the state are still functioning from rented accommodation. This is notwithstanding crores of rupees which the state government receives on account of school infrastructure under different schemes including Sara Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhijan.
 Official figures reveal that 4058 government schools are functioning from privately-owned buildings, with the percentage of such schools more in Kashmir than Jammu.
 Kashmir province has 3230 schools functioning from rented accommodation while only 828 schools operate for hired buildings in Jammu region.
 The figures have been revealed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is also holding the portfolio of Education Minister, in reply to a query by MLC Jehangir Hussain Mir.
 The data, according to observers, has put a question mark over the government claims that the school infrastructure has been considerably augmented over the years.
 Pertinently, Mir had asked the state government to furnish the list of government-run schools functioning from rented accommodation.
 The district wise of break-up of schools operating in rented accommodations is: Srinagar (286), Ganderbal (202), Bandipora  (425), Budgam (516), Baramulla (496), Kupwara (754), Pulwama  (137), Shopian (116), Anantnag – Islamabad (250) and Kulgam (139). Jammu (124), Samba (2), Kathua (21), Udhmapur (12), Reasi (29), Doda (52), Kishtwar (120),  Ramban (32), Rajouri (255), Poonch (42).
 The number of government schools operating from private accommodation in Leh and Kargil is 3 and 45 respectively.
 The Government has stated that Rs 690.53 lakhs are being paid annually as rent against these buildings.
 Pertinently, according to guidelines of the Directorate of School Education, every school should be located in a noise- free zone. The other requirements include a library, laboratory, indoor games facilities, and playground and staff room. 
 Experts believe that majority of government owned schools operating from rented accommodation violate these norms.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 8 Oct 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 8 Oct 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:00:00 IST