September 11, 2018: Dilapidated buildings of Ramkrishna Shiksha Pratisthan are bleak reminders of golden dreams of few enthusiastic persons. Around 68 years ago, followers of Sri Ramakrishna Dev dreamt big and founded a school in Kailashahar under Unakoti district. However, with stark and apathetic attitude of education department, no major renovation and repair works were undertaken leaving the buildings in pathetic and risky conditions.
“Safety of students and teachers are facing challenge as falling plasters may hit students and moreover, building may crumble anytime in case of earth quack”, alleged a group of students and guardians.
Initially the school was built up adjacent to Ramkrishna Ashram. Later the State Government took charge of the school and relocated the school at its present place. However, pity to note that the State Education department did not feel any urgency – during last two decades – to initiate renovation works even after being aware about its dilapidated structures.
“The school building is in extremely bad condition – there are several cracks. In many rooms, plasters are coming out of walls. The present structure of the School is posing a major threat to safety of students and teachers”, commented a group of students.
Vulnerability of the school became even more intense after an earthquake with its epicentre near Kailashahar. “Both the guardians and students are feeling insecure. “If another earthquake strikes, the building is likely to collapse and in that case, the devastation and tragedy can easily be understood”, said one guardian. Notably, there more than 400 students and 33 teachers in school. “Safety of students and teachers are at stake and lackadaisical attitude of concerned department is also worrying the guardians and local people”, said a villager.
“Several applications urging immediate repairing and renovation works were submitted to the Education Department. However, the Department is yet to react positively”, commented one teacher of the school on condition of anonymity.
After BJP-led government came into power, we expected a quick and positive response from the administration as everyone in Kailashahar is well aware about the condition of the School building. However, gradually we are feeling disappointed with administration and education department.
It appears that evils of previous Left Regime are still haunting the administration in new form and the present government is – either unwilling or unable in controlling the vices, alleged villagers venting their anguish.
