Prem Balbikas Vidyalaya, situated in Simkot Rural Municipality-7, has faced closure since May due to the deteriorating condition of its building. The school’s closure has left 12 children enrolled in the school of Pamlathung village without access to education. The dilapidation of the school building was primarily caused by continuous rains that occurred since May.
According to Parvati Malla, a teacher at the school, the building’s deterioration led to a shortage of functional classrooms, as well as a lack of adequate water and toilet facilities. Consequently, the children stopped attending school due to these pressing issues.
Adding to the predicament, local resident Nawaraj Shahi stated that disputes among community members regarding the repair of the dilapidated building and the ownership of the land have further hindered the school’s operations. The school, which had been functioning regularly for the past 10 years, has unfortunately been unable to provide education due to these unresolved conflicts.
The dispute arose when Prem Shahi, the owner of the land where the school is situated, initially claimed that he had donated the land to the school free of charge. However, he later asserted that payment for the land was necessary.
In response to inquiries about the matter, Prem Shahi, the chairperson of the school management committee, clarified that he insisted on receiving payment because the land in question belongs to him.