Residents of Magam in north Kashmir’s Handwara sub-district Sunday complained about the absence of commerce stream and basic arts subjects not being taught at Government Higher Secondary School Magam.
According to locals, GHSS Magam, established in 1987, caters to over 30 villages while hundreds of students are on rolls at the school.
They said that due to the absence of commerce stream and basic arts subjects including Sociology, Psychology, Political Science and the all-important Computer Applications, students are forced to take subjects against their will.
Those interested in taking commerce stream have to secure admission at GHSS Handwara or Kupwara.
“My son was inclined towards commerce stream but due to absence of the stream at GHSS Magam, he took admission at admitted GHSS Handwara,” said Muhammad Ramzan, a labourer.
Noman, a 12th standard student said he has to spend Rs 60 every day on transport to reach college and back home.
“I belong to a poor family and spending Rs 60 on bus fare every day is too much for me,” he said.
Locals said that since GHSS Magam came into being, authorities had never been sincere towards its development and the present building had turned into a decayed structure.
“We several times brought the issues to the notice of the concerned officials but to no avail,” said Muhammad Shafi, a local social activist.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara Imam Din said, “The residents should approach me with a proper representation. I assure that the genuine grievances of the students will be redressed.”