NAROWAL: It was a peculiar scene to see: little students of Government Primary School, Kakka Kalas, bending in rooster punishment position on road on Monday.

They were in the stress position not as part of some punishment. They said they were protesting at the non-provision of facilities to their school.

If their parents or teachers forced them to adopt this mean of protest, or they adopted the method on their own, is not clear.

Dawn learnt the school is situated over 11 kanals having three classrooms. It lacks boundary wall and furniture. A big portion of the school has been converted into a water pond which is a serious health hazard for the students.

The school is situated in the constituency of Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal who is responsible for the development of the country and often claims to make Narowal a city of universities.

Several girl students and parents lined the protesting students chanting slogans against the administration. Muhammad Akmal and Sufi Ghulam Nabi, residents of the village, said the administration was not bothered about the deteriorated condition of the school despite their repeated requests. They said many children had switched over to other schools due to the non-availability of basic facilities.

Executive District Officer Ghias Sabir told Dawn he had arranged funds to provide furniture to the school which would be supplied soon.

Protesting students and their parents have appealed to the Punjab chief minister to take notice of the situation.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play