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Space crunch in many schools

Photo: T. Singaravelou

Several government schools have been facing problems of space constraints, depriving students of adequate play area.

PUDUCHERRY: About 500 students of a government school in Puducherry share open space in a tiny quadrangle. Physical training (PT) classes are off the school's timetable owing to space crunch, with students crammed into the available area for every occasion — starting with the assembly to lunch hours.

A number of government schools in Puducherry are facing similar problems of space constraint and congestion. This shortage of breathing space has left students with little or no room for play.

“Lack of an adequate open ground for the children to play during PT classes, assemble for morning prayers and eat lunch is turning out to be a huge problem for us. Students are crammed into a small area during the assembly time,” admitted a head of a government school.

The school has very little open area for more than 600 students.

Another school authority said there were no PT classes for the students, except that they are made to assemble and taught a few exercises.

“There is no space to conduct games. Any programme organised at the school, such as the National Environment Awareness Campaign or training programme, has to be held in this small place,” he said.

At another government school, which has only a verandah as open area, students utilise the small stretch of road in front of the school for playing. “This amounts to a lot of safety concerns owing to vehicular movement but we have no choice. At times, students sit on the verandah and play indoor games,” a school's head said.

Many government schools have been functioning on shift basis owing to shortage of space. A cross section of school authorities expressed concern over safety of students.

“A sufficient open space is essential for a school, especially in case of an emergency. There are vacant areas near some of the schools which are struggling with less space.

The government should take steps to make available some space in these areas for the welfare of the students,” an authority mentioned.

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