M S Nazki
MENDHAR, Aug 28: Students of government primary school, Balakote, held a demonstration against the drinking water scarcity and irregular mid-day meals to them outside police post here today. Holding empty utensils, glasses and plates, they raised slogans against Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Balakote, and Chief Education Officer (CEO), Poonch.
They said there was no drinking water in the school and alleged that they had not been getting mid-day meal regularly for the past three years. When contacted for their comments on irregular mid-day meal to students, some school teachers said they had not got LPG cylinders for the past three years. In the absence of LPG cylinders, it was virtually difficult for the school authorities to cook mid-day meal for students, they said. The teachers said the empty cylinders were lying in the school store. In reply to another query, they said the LPG cylinders could not be purchased because ZEO, Balakote, did not issue pass books for the same.
Following assurance from the Balakote police post incharge that he would bring their demands to the notice of higher authorities, the protesters later dispersed.
SDM, Mendhar, Romesh Kumar said he would enquire into the matter and also speak to CEO, Poonch, in this regard. The primary school is situated near the LoC ahead of the fencing at Balakote. There are more than 20 government schools operational ahead of the fence.
These remain closed during the days of Pak firing and shelling. Locals said these remained closed for most part of the year for one reason or the other. They appealed to the authorities concerned to look into the matter and ensure that these school remained open like other schools in Poonch district.
Official sources said LPG cylinders were also not being made available to many other schools of Poonch. |
