Public outrage erupts

Public Outrage Erupts Over Dilapidated School in Cabinet Minister’s Constituency, Parents Demand Child Safety First
Torchlight protest held in Satbunga; villagers decide not to send children to school until a new building is constructed
Bhimtal: Public anger has intensified in the assembly constituency represented by newly appointed Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida over the deteriorating condition of Government Primary School Pata-Khaprad in Satbunga. On Sunday evening, parents and local residents took out a torchlight procession and staged a strong protest against the education department and the administration.
Villagers alleged that continuous rainfall has left the school building in a severely damaged condition and that a major accident could occur at any time. Concerned about the safety of their children, parents have decided not to send them to school until adequate arrangements are made.
The demand for reconstruction of the school building has been gaining momentum over the past several days. Chief Education Officer R.S. Negi visited the site on Sunday and held discussions with the villagers. He informed them that a proposal for a new school building has already been sent to the state government and that the Block Education Officer has been directed to arrange an alternative facility so that students’ studies are not affected.
During the protest, Congress leader Gopal Bisht demanded immediate reconstruction of dilapidated school buildings, saying that children were being forced to study while risking their lives. He urged the government to take urgent action.
With the constituency now represented by Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, villagers are hoping that the issue of children’s safety will be treated as a top priority and that swift steps will be taken to resolve the crisis.