Assam: Neglect overshadows development claims, South Karimganj school battles infrastructure crisis

While Assam’s narrative of a “developed state” continues to be promoted, ground realities in parts of the state tell a different story—particularly in the education sector. A stark example of this contradiction is the 1144 No. Purba Khagail Lower Primary School, located in the Sribhumi area under the South Karimganj constituency, where 72 students are struggling to learn under dire conditions.

 

Despite being operational, the school lacks the most basic infrastructure. There is no proper road access, electricity, clean drinking water, or sufficient teaching staff—issues that have persisted without resolution.

 

The school has just one teacher managing all 72 students, severely compromising the quality of education. Worse still, the main road leading to the school remains submerged for nearly six months every year. This forces children, many of whom are in lower primary classes, to wade through muddy, waterlogged terrain barefoot, carrying their shoes in hand.

 

Compounding the problem is the absence of electricity for the past three months, which in turn affects the supply of clean drinking water. Students are forced to endure scorching summer heat without basic amenities, making learning a test of endurance.

 

Despite these glaring deficiencies, there has been no significant intervention from the district education department or local administration. The inaction has prompted community voices to speak up.

 

“Is this what we define as development?” asked the visibly frustrated president of the School Management Committee, calling out the disconnect between official promises and on-ground realities.

 

With monsoon rains intensifying and conditions worsening, residents are once again urging the authorities to act before the academic futures of these children are permanently compromised.