Ground Report: A primary school without classrooms, children having to study under a tree

There are no classrooms because there is no budget: the dismal state of VishambharKhera Primary School, Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow.

Lucknow— In Aldampur Vishambharkhera village in the Bakshi Ka Talab development block of Lucknow, the capital of UP, the primary school appears to be a school in name only. Not even a single classroom exists, the only buildings are a storeroom and "izzatghar" (toilet). In these circumstances, the children are having to sit on the ground under a tree to study. In the rainy season, both the teachers and students have to face problems. Often on rainy days it is not possible to hold a class. The enrolment of children in the school has also decreased due to these issues.

School building demolished after falling into disrepair

Until some time ago, there was a building at VishambharKhera Primary School. After it fell into disrepair, it had to be cleared out. In March 2022, the dilapidated building was demolished. Only an izzatghar (toilet) and storeroom were left standing in the school ground. The store then had to be made into an office for the teacher. Books and other materials are also stored in this room. There are no benches either to sit on in the school.

Children attending school under the open sky

Lucknow is the capital city of UP. The Legislative Assembly, the official residence of the Chief Minister, as well as the residences of the other ministers, are all in Lucknow. The administrative offices of all government departments are also located in Lucknow. Despite all this, the education system in Lucknow is in a dire state. Even today, children are having to study under the open sky. From attending morning prayers to their classes, the students do everything in the open.

Budget not allocated, affected teaching

Since the demolition of the VishambharKhera Primary School building, the Basic Education Department has not been able to provide the budget for its reconstruction. Due to lack of a school building and facilities, it has not been possible to hold classes for the children in an organized manner. The villagers have contacted the departmental officials, including the sarpanch and MLA, with regard to this issue, but no concrete action has been taken so far.

What the responsible official said

District Basic Education Officer Arun Kumar said that "An investigation will be conducted into the matter."

यहाँ हिन्दी में भी पढ़ें– ग्राउंड रिपोर्टः प्राइमरी स्कूल है, क्लास रूम नहीं, पेड़ के नीचे जमीन पर बैठकर पढ़ने को मजबूर बच्चे!

[Story Translated By Lotika Singha]