Wahid Bhat
SRINAGAR: Over-crowded classes, crouched space, extensive class work and lack of heating arrangement and what not in tuition centers operating in different parts of Kashmir valley.
With authorities saying that they are trying to streamline the sector, these centres are in mess.
Bisma Raheed, a class 12 student of a coaching centre in uptown Srinagar Parraypora, said teachers impart lectures on microphones to about 230 students and continuous exposure to the loud sound does not allow her to concentrate on studies.
In some coaching centers, students complaint of having no heating arrangements in Srinagar, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kupwara and Baramulla.
Mehak Farooq, a 10th class student, said they have to endure non-stop classes from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm.
“No lunch break is provided whole process is tiresome. Teachers tell us to have lunch between classes that disrupts the teaching process”, group of students said.
Danish, a student at another coaching centre also complained of lack of heating arrangement. ” We shiver in the cold in our class. It becomes very difficult to concentrate on studies”, she added.
Like in Srinagar, the centres in South Kashmir and in North Kashmir areas are overcrowded and lack proper heating arrangements.
The students alleged that the centres were only interested in increasing the roll.
Directorate of School Education Kashmir has already asked all private tution centres to register themselves with the department and provide basic facilities to the students.
Government teachers are also barred from teaching at these centres. DSEK issued order last year which reads that “The documents related to infrastructure and other facilities i.e. minimum area/space of 9 sq feet per candidate, separate waiting room, separate drinking water facilities for female candidates, electricity, heating/cooling arrangements in classrooms /waiting halls should in place. If any education agency/tuition centre/coaching center fails to seek permission/registration within the stipulated time, it shall be liable for appropriate action under rules.”
The order has also made it clear that the coaching centres would not be allowed to operate during the day when schools remain functional.
Many alleged that all these guidelines are restricted only to papers. In the scorching heat the students are bunched in small rooms with no cooling facilities. Even during winters there are no heating arrangements as well. “There are hundreds of coaching centres where hundreds of students are accommodated in small rooms. This is a huge nuisance and a cause of concern,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a parent of a student.
The coaching centres in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag etc have become hub of immoral activities. The vagabonds and ruffians can be seen roaming freely outsides these places especially in Parraypora area of Srinagar city and the police too has failed to check this menace. The outside youth come to these coaching centres and start eve teasing female students.
Officials at DSEK Kashmir told News agency Press Trust of Kashmir that they will also find out whether they (centers) adhere to the rules and set guidelines. “If found violating we will take strict actions against them”, they added. (PTK)
