RAGA, OCT 18:
The All Kamle District Students’ Union (AKDSU) on Sunday highlighted shortcomings in road connectivity, educational infrastructure and healthcare services in Kamle district following a two-month assessment under its Road, Education and Health (REH)-II initiative.
Addressing a press conference at the Raga Press Club, AKDSU spokesperson Rakhe Techi said a team led by REH-II Convenor-cum-Chairman Tai Ligu had visited different parts of the district to assess conditions on the ground.
Techi said 10 private educational institutions had responded positively to the union’s appeal during the tour and agreed to provide free education to five underprivileged children each from the next academic session, in coordination with AKDSU.
Tap Jirdo, administrative general secretary of AKDSU, highlighted the poor condition of roads connecting various blocks, particularly the Tamen–Dollungmukh road and routes leading to healthcare centres.
On education, Jirdo cited inadequate basic infrastructure, poor sanitation, a lack of separate and proper toilets for boys and girls, and concerns over the rationalisation of teacher postings in schools across the district.
He also raised concerns over residential schools. According to the union, Rite Residential School under Persin Block, located in a forested area, lacks proper fencing and a boundary wall. The school reportedly has nine students against 15 posted teachers, while Boashimla-II Residential School has 82 students and only nine teachers. Jirdo added that hostel facilities in several institutions were also in poor condition.
Asked about the alleged imbalance in teacher postings, union representatives said they had received information suggesting political interference in the process.
Ligu questioned the construction of school infrastructure in remote areas with reportedly low student enrolment and raised concerns over the absence of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) from the Education Department for infrastructure projects. He urged the department to make the reports available to ensure transparency and quality construction.
He also flagged the presence of a transformer at UPS Liruk, saying he had written to the concerned department seeking its relocation due to the potential risk to students, particularly during the rainy season.
On healthcare, Ligu alleged that AYUSH doctors had prescribed allopathic medicines in some instances, attributing the situation to a shortage of doctors in the district. He also highlighted shortages of specialist doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and other essential staff at Nido Techi District Hospital in Raga.
Stressing the need for adequate medical personnel, diagnostic facilities and essential services at the district hospital, Ligu said the union had met officials of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and was hopeful of a positive outcome.
He said AKDSU would soon meet the concerned departments to discuss the findings and data collected during the REH-II tour. The union would consider further steps if the authorities failed to adequately address the grievances, he added.
