For those who understand the situation of school infrastructure in Garo Hills, the state of Rongdotchi Government Lower Primary School will be an all too familiar site.
The dilapidated state of the institute is, sadly, commonplace in South Garo Hills.
The school, which was built in 1986, has not seen any sort of repairs for over three decades despite its place of importance among the local populace.
Earlier, social activist Greneth Sangma had pointed to more than 100 such schools that are crying out for repairs. He was then informed by Rongdotchi villagers over the pathetic condition of their local school with an appeal to help them get the matter resolved.
“The condition of the school is such that there are literally no doors or windows. Even the roof is missing, as are many sections of the walls. If something is not done to rectify the situation, the entire building may just collapse,” said Greneth.
Complaints on the condition of the school were apparently made to the district education authorities but they seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
“No wonder the results of our districts are so bad. If the education authorities have no feel or direction on how to take education forward, we are going to rot. Worryingly the primary section, which is the base for future education, is the worst hit,” added Greneth.
According to sources, the monsoon and winter seasons make children and teachers fret. While they are unable to attend classes due to leaking roofs during the monsoons, winters bring a severe chill that seeps through the broken doors and windows.
“The government has to focus on the education sector of South Garo Hills, especially the primary section. The base of children needs to get a thrust or we will continue suffering such poor results every year,” asserted Greneth.
