Govt schools record poor admissions

Nellore: Parents are not interested to admit their children in government schools as they lack basic facilities. It has become difficult for officials of the Education department and teachers to motivate parents to join their wards in government schools. Thus prompting the officials to take up ‘rationalisation’ process to either shut down or merge the defunct schools with the nearby schools.

Amenities in government-run schools in the district are in pathetic condition. Around 200 schools were closed last year and another 250 to 300 likely to be shutdown this year.

There are around 3,400 schools in the district in which 45 to 50 per cent schools do not have drinking water facility.
Data shows that around 1,400 schools do not have toilet facility for boys and girls. But, the real situation is different with unused toilets, abandoned, without water facility and in dilapidated condition.

Another drawback for not improving basic facilities in government schools is headmasters are not having powers to utilise funds for sinking borewells, construction of toilets and compound walls. Only district-level officials have to take decision on such facilities. In fact, 1,350 schools in the district do not have perimeter wall. Thus schools are facing threat from anti-social elements disturbing their academic environment.

Recently, an international organisation had installed computers, solar panel, LED television and other facilities for the benefit of children and community in 24 villages as part of disaster mitigation measures. Within one year, due to lack of perimeter wall valuable items from some schools were looted. Police have registered five theft cases in this connection.

But, higher officials of the Education department are silent on such developments failing to take measures to protect them. Around 1,800 schools do not have playground, which is an important component for extracurricular activities.

Around 325 schools are found to be vulnerable in the district to various disasters, and only 25 have been proposed by the district officials for construction of new buildings. Still, the department is waiting for funds from the State government.

In some schools, mid-day meal is being prepared in dangerous conditions where they are prone to electric shocks, snake bites and other risks. Majority school children are having meal which is cooked outside or in some other place. When school buildings are not considered for repairs, teachers say, there is no chance for asking facility for cooking.

In 2014, after reviewing basic amenities in government schools of Andhra Pradesh on a petition, the Supreme Court gave directions to AP government to ensure drinking water and separate toilets for girls and boys in schools and asked the State education secretary to appear before it and explain the exact position.

A senior official from the Education department at division level said that they have forwarded proposals for construction of new buildings but the State government has to finalise it. “This is a vicious circle where no one is taking responsibility for improving facilities in government-run schools,” he lamented.

PV Prasad