Ganderbal:- The construction of the 8-room, double-storey Government High School building in Ganderbal’s Shuhama, which began in 2017, remains incomplete. Although the building is operational for the school, it has not been finished, with officials attributing the delay to a lack of funds.
Local residents have reported significant challenges due to insufficient space, leading to overcrowded classrooms where two classes are crammed into one. Muhammad Shafi, a local resident, expressed concerns about the building’s deteriorating condition: “The delay in completion has left the building in a dilapidated state.”
Shafi noted that the initial contractor abandoned the project midway, resulting in the assignment of another contractor, yet the building still remains unfinished. “Despite this, the building remains incomplete. The window panes are broken. This is not how a school building should be constructed,” he stated.
Community members have raised their concerns with officials multiple times, but they report that no action has been taken. They described the building’s interior as being in ruins and demanded that construction be completed promptly and that the facility be handed over for proper use. “We want it finished so it resembles a proper school building where students can study in a better environment. The window panes are damaged. It should be completed and handed over properly; the delays have gone on long enough,” they insisted.
Surjeet Kumar, Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Ganderbal, assured that the building will be completed under the UT Capex budget plan, pending the release of funds in the next financial year. “So far, windows and doors have been installed, and plastering has been done. However, due to delays, the glass panes have been broken. Flooring, window panes, and electrification work are still pending,” he explained.
Kumar provided further details, mentioning that the initial cost of the building was over Rs 79 lakh, with an allocated cost of over Rs 74 lakh. “Funds amounting to Rs 69 lakh were released and spent by March 2024. For the 2024-25 financial year, Rs 4 lakh has been earmarked, but these funds are yet to be released,” he stated.
When questioned about the prolonged delay, Kumar attributed it to a lack of funds in previous years. He also noted that there are nearly nine other school buildings awaiting completion, all of which will be addressed in the next financial year. “We have already taken up the matter with the Directorate,” he added.