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Rajasthan Schools: Dilapidation vs. Rs 1.5 Lakh Fee Woes
29 Aug
Summary
- Dilapidated 1957 school building fears collapse during rain.
- New fee-charging school lacks uniforms, textbooks, and facilities.
- Protests erupt over poor facilities at both old and new schools.
In Rajasthan's Sikar district, two government schools present a stark dichotomy. One, a village school in Thedi, Ramgarh Shekhawati, stands in disrepair since its 1957 construction, lacking essential teachers and posing a collapse risk during rain. Students are sent home when it rains, and over 50% of teaching posts are vacant.
Separately, a newly launched residential girls' school, part of a flagship state project, charges parents over ₹1.5 lakh plus ₹40,000 in mess fees. Despite the high cost, enrolled students and parents protested recently, citing a lack of uniforms, textbooks, sports equipment, and erratic food and water supplies.
Officials have responded to both situations only after public demonstrations. For the old school, proposals for a new building and filling vacant posts are being prepared. For the new school, ₹65 crore has been allocated, though the funds have yet to arrive, leaving parents threatening further protests on September 5 in Jaipur.
