Guwahati: In a stark revelation that chips away at Assam’s “developed state” narrative, the 1144 No. Purba Khagail Lower Primary School in Sribhumi, under the South Karimganj constituency, paints a grim picture of ground realities. Here, 72 young students are battling an array of severe infrastructural deficiencies, challenging the very notion of progress being touted by the state government.
The school, despite being operational, is a testament to neglect. It stands bereft of a proper approach road, electricity, access to clean drinking water, and adequate teaching staff – issues that have remained unaddressed for an extended period. A single teacher valiantly attempts to impart education to all 72 students, a Herculean task that inevitably compromises the quality of learning.
Further exacerbating the plight of these young learners, the main road leading to the school transforms into a waterlogged quagmire for nearly half the year. During the monsoon, children, many in their tender lower primary years, are left with no option but to wade barefoot through the muddy, submerged path, carefully carrying their shoes in hand, just to reach their classrooms.
Adding to their woes, the school has been without electricity for the past three months, directly impacting the supply of clean drinking water. Students are forced to endure the scorching summer heat and the general lack of amenities, turning their pursuit of education into a harsh test of endurance rather than a nurturing experience.
Despite these glaring and persistent deficiencies, the district education department and local administration have remained conspicuously silent, offering no significant intervention. This inaction has spurred local community leaders to voice their profound disappointment and frustration. “Is this what we define as development?” questioned the visibly exasperated president of the School Management Committee, highlighting the vast chasm between official rhetoric and the harsh realities on the ground. As the monsoon rains intensify and conditions are set to worsen, residents are making an urgent appeal to the authorities, imploring them to take immediate action before the academic futures of these children are irretrievably compromised.
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