A deeply disturbing and alarming picture of the educational system has emerged from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. In the Bhomia Basti area of Shastri Nagar, a government primary school is forced to operate inside an iron cage-like shed due to a complete lack of its own building. In official government records, this school does not have any building registered in its name. Through public cooperation, an iron cage and shed were somehow erected to protect the children from harsh sun and rain, but basic amenities are completely missing.
Struggle Amid Garbage Dumps and Power Outage
This cage-like school is surrounded on all sides by massive garbage dumping yards. The garbage spread right outside the school boundaries and the unbearable stench emanating from it are playing with the health of the young children. During the rainy season, this foul smell turns even more horrific. Due to the absence of a building, the school has not even been able to secure an electricity connection. Although fans have been hung inside the shed, they remain mere showpieces due to the lack of power. The wire mesh of the shed cannot be covered with tin sheets to escape the heat and suffocation, so that at least some air can enter inside.
The environment surrounding the school is entirely hostile to education and deeply intimidating. Right outside the school, illegal trade and open injection of smack and drugs are rampant. Dangerous used drug syringes and needles remain scattered all over the ground. As media teams reached the spot, several addicts fled, and a helpless mother was seen standing nearby, watching her son trapped in drug addiction. In such an environment, the childhood and future of 86 innocent children are in grave danger.
Double Burden on Teachers and Students
The responsibility of teaching the 86 enrolled students rests on the shoulders of just two teachers. These instructors have to keep one eye on the blackboard and the other on the drug addicts and garbage looming outside. Conducting classes amidst the stench of the dumping yard, sweltering heat without electricity, and roaming addicts outside is nothing short of living in hell.
Widespread Lack of School Buildings Across Rajasthan
This issue is not restricted to just this single school in Shastri Nagar. In Jaipur district alone, there are 38 such government schools that do not possess any building of their own. Looking at the entire state of Rajasthan, as many as 611 government schools are functioning without any buildings. Furthermore, over 3,000 school buildings are in a dilapidated condition, and more than three-fourths of schools across the state are in urgent need of repairs.
