LP school makes do with size of a Pan Dukan !
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 07 2009: If the States of the world were given ranking according to the level of treachery, fraudulence and swindling involved in executing contract works, Manipur would certainly find a place among the toppers, if not the top-spot.

This was well exemplified by the construction of a Primary School in the size of a Pan Dukan (betel kiosk).

The 'LP School' built at the cost of Rs 1.5 lakh

Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a primary school was constructed at Patbung village under Phungyar sub-division along IndoMyanmar border during 2007-08 .

The building was constructed at the cost of Rs 1.50 lakhs by a former Councillor of the District Council.

One may feel astonished or enraged but village chairman CT Mashating said that the Ukhrul DC was infuriated on seeing the structure supposed to be a primary school.

The DC reportedly directed that the building should be built with RCC even if it has a single room.

The structure was left in the prevailing condition claiming that it was completed, the village chairman said.

Fit to be listed in the Wonders of the World, provided the determining parameters are opposite to what was employed, the primary school building is about six feet in width and ten feet in length.

The structure is enclosed by timber on side and tin on the other.

It has no doors.

There was no furniture inside the structure though charred feathers of chicken were seen strewn around.

The primary school having a single teacher has five students.

Being a native of the village, the teacher conducted class not at the school but at his home.

In case the teacher went outside the village, classes remain suspended till he returned, conveyed a mother whose two daughter are studying at the school.

She added that she was sending her children to the school for should afford better schools.

Notably, it has been already decided to hand over the task of building schools under SSA to village education committees instead of giving contracts.

The new arrangement was made taking due note of the inability to finish contract works in time besides non-maintenance of quality.

Another such case of utter deficiency in infrastructure is the Government Junior High School of Sorbung.

Even though the school has 44 students, it did not look like any school.

The building was severely dilapidated and tattered.

It looked worse than a cowshed.