Top News

Infrastructure Issues at Kaliram Baruah Girls’ High School

In Assam, government schools are set to receive various enhancements from the Education Department, including infrastructure improvements and educational resources. However, the reality in many areas tells a different story.

Located in Guwahati, a city often hailed as a rapidly advancing 'smart city', Kaliram Baruah Girls’ High School is facing significant challenges regarding basic necessities.

This school, one of the older institutions in the area, is situated in a densely populated region near a busy flyover and railway line. As the surrounding neighborhood has developed and become busier, stakeholders at the school report that its infrastructure has not adapted to these changes.

Both teachers and students have expressed concerns about ongoing issues such as water shortages, frequent theft of school property, and increasing safety risks.

Water Supply Crisis Impacting School Operations

Water shortage affecting daily school life

The most critical issue at the school is the unreliable water supply. Educators indicate that this problem arose after construction activities near the flyover disrupted the existing borewell system.

Dr. Kalpana Kalita, the headmistress, mentioned that the school has repeatedly reached out to authorities but has yet to find a lasting solution.

She stated, “This is a girls’ school, yet we do not have a proper water facility. The borewell we used earlier stopped functioning after the flyover construction. Since then, we have applied to the concerned authorities several times, but the issue has not been resolved.”

Students at the school struggle with an acute water shortage, one of the major problems affecting daily school activities (AT Image)

She further added that the absence of water complicates daily operations.

“Maintaining a school without water is extremely challenging, especially with hundreds of girls studying here and summer approaching. We are doing our best to manage, but the situation is far from ideal,” Kalita remarked.

For the students, the water crisis has become a daily hurdle. One student shared that the lack of drinking water often forces them to leave classes early.

“When the water shortage becomes severe, we sometimes have to go home in the middle of the day. There is no proper facility for drinking water. It becomes very difficult for us to stay in school for long hours,” she said, preferring to remain anonymous.

Security Issues and Theft of School Property

Theft and security concerns

In addition to the water crisis, the school is also facing frequent thefts of essential equipment, including fans, lights, and water taps.

Teachers report that items often disappear shortly after installation, leaving the school with minimal resources.

“One of our classrooms does not even have a fan now because it was stolen. Every few weeks we lose something, be it fans, lights, or taps. We have reported these incidents to the nearby police station several times, but the problem continues,” Kalita explained.

Another teacher echoed these sentiments, stating that the thefts have created a persistent sense of insecurity.

“This is one of the few girls’ schools in Guwahati, and it should have proper facilities. Instead, every 10 to 15 days something goes missing. Fans disappear, electrical fittings are stolen, and even basic items are not safe. It creates serious difficulties for both students and teachers,” she added.

The condition of Kaliram Baruah Girls’ High School highlights the infrastructure challenges faced by the institution (AT Image)

Some educators have noted that the lack of security measures has compelled staff to remain vigilant.

“We urgently need a night watchman. Sometimes we feel we have to guard the school ourselves. Every morning we come to school worried that something else might have been stolen overnight,” another teacher remarked.

While acknowledging some support from the Education Department in recent years, she emphasized that many essential facilities are still lacking.

“The Education Minister has taken some steps to help schools like ours, but we still have not received many of the facilities that a government school should ideally have,” she stated.

Another student expressed that the thefts have also impacted classroom conditions.

“Fans and lights keep getting stolen. Exams are approaching, but we are attending classes without proper facilities. We request the government to look into our problems and help improve the situation,” she said.

Implications for Upcoming Elections

Concerns ahead of elections

The school also serves as a polling center during elections, adding another layer of concern for teachers tasked with election responsibilities.

One teacher, who also serves as a Booth Level Officer (BLO), noted that the current state of the school could lead to logistical challenges.

“With elections approaching, there will be four polling stations here. But the situation is not safe. There are thefts and water shortages. When important materials like ballot boxes are brought here, security becomes a serious concern,” the teacher explained.

She added that officials used to visit for inspections, but improvements have yet to be realized.

“The responsibility ultimately falls on us. We hope the authorities will pay attention to the condition of the school before the elections,” she concluded.

A Call for Immediate Action

A call for urgent attention

Despite the numerous challenges, both teachers and students express their commitment to keeping the school operational.

However, they believe that urgent improvements in basic infrastructure, a reliable water supply, and enhanced security measures are essential.

For many in the school community, the hope is straightforward: that an institution dedicated to educating young girls in the state’s largest city receives the necessary support to provide a safe and functional learning environment.