By Sammer Ahmad
Anantnag: Inugrated two years back Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for students belonging to Gujjar community is yet be made functional by the government.
The school was constructed in Salia area of Anantnag District and was inaugurated by the then chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on 22 July 2017.
The EMRS are set up in States, UTs in june 2010 with grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India.
The objective of EMRS is to provide quality middle and high level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas, not only to enable them to avail of reservation in high and professional educational courses and as jobs in government and public and private sectors.
“But also to have access to the best opportunities in education at par with the non ST population.”
According to Gujjar community the government 120 kanals were allotted for the school, however Anantnag administration only made 25 kanals available for the school.
“There is huge violation by government orders and guidelines done by administration,” the community leaders alleged.
According to the guidelines the EMRS school, must have 20 acres of land.
“Of which up to 3.5 acres may be used for the construction purposes. The remaining area must be maintained properly and a reasonable portion may be earmarked for sports, games,” they said.
“Government should look into the matter,” they demanded.
A.M Bhat secretary Gujjar Bakerwal Adivisory Board said that he will raise the issue with higher authorities and assured that it will open soon.
“We will investigate why the Anantnag administration has allotted only 25 kanals of land instead of 125 kanals,” Bhat said.
