Budgam, Mar 02: The Middle School Hokhlatri in Beerwah area of Budgam district is awaiting upgradation from last many decades.
The government has time and again ignored this school, alleged residents of Hokhlatri village, around 20 kms from district headquarters.
Established in 1953, locals said that Hokhlatri School is one of the oldest educational institutions of the state and has produced many professionals in different fields. However, school was not upgraded to what it should have been.
This school was upgraded to middle level only instead of secondary or higher secondary level in 2005, informed a teacher of the school, wishing anonymity.
He added that the school was not upgraded to secondary level, however, adjoining schools which were established decades after Hukhkatri and were not eligible for upgradation, were upgraded.
Tariq Ahmad, a local said their wards particularly girl students are compelled to visit other areas for high schooling, which has led to increase in the dropout rate.
Aghast residents said that they have raised the issue with all concerned authorities but nobody give them a patient hearing.
When contacted Zonal Education Officer Beerwah, Dilshad Ahmad said that Hokhlatri School does not meet the feasibility criteria for upgradation. When asked why many adjoining schools which are in close proximity to each other and do not have sufficient roll, were upgraded, he replied that politicians upgraded these schools.
Seeking intervention of Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, Hokhlatri residents expressed hope that Governor Administration will look into the matter.
