The Government Primary School at the Sal Rehabilitation Colony in Bicholim has been operating from a rented building for the past four years after students were shifted to make way for the demolition of the old school building and the construction of a new one.
Social activist Meghasham Raut has alleged that despite the passage of four years, work on the proposed school building has not begun. He claimed that construction has remained stalled, with not even the foundation laid at the site.
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According to Raut, the prolonged delay has affected student enrolment, as several parents have reportedly opted to admit their children to other nearby schools. He alleged that the rented premises currently housing the school lack adequate facilities, making them unsuitable for students over the long term.
Responding to the allegations, supporters of Bicholim MLA Dr. Chandrakant Shetye and members of the Bicholim BJP Mandal convened a press conference, urging that educational issues should not be politicised.
Parents present at the briefing said the students are not facing any major difficulties in the rented building where classes are currently being conducted. They maintained that the temporary arrangement is functioning satisfactorily and added that the foundation stone for the new school building is expected to be laid soon.
The issue has sparked differing views, with the activist raising concerns over delays in infrastructure development, while local BJP leaders and parents have defended the existing arrangements and expressed confidence that work on the new school building will begin shortly.
