BASHARAT RASHID
Pulwama: Land donors in Aripal area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have locked several schools, demanding permanent job in lieu of the land “donated” by them.
Concerned headmasters told INS that the land owners of government school buildings locked a number of primary and middle schools, affecting the normal studies of the students particularly in Satoora, Dragad, Hajin, Wantiwan, Hokwan and Gulshanpora villages.
They said that students are now being taught in open fields, due to which they suffer particularly in bad weather conditions.
The land owners talking to INS claimed that they have donated land for the construction of the schools decades back and the government had promised them “permanent jobs in lieu of land”.
Ghulam Hassan Bhat, one of the land donors, in government middle school Satoora said that “he will not open the lock of school until authorities provide a job in his favour.”
Similarly, a delegation of land owners said that government has failed to provide them job or any other compensation till date, forcing them to lock the schools.
When contacted, Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Ghulam Mohammad Kumar told INS that there was a procedure of everything which needs to be followed.
He said that every land donor should “officially donate” the land to the government by making official documents to proceed further.
“I have adviced them how to proceed. Now if they won’t open schools, action under law may be taken against them,” Kumar added.
