School for blind children left uncared for in Pabna

PABNA, Nov 23: The school built for the visually impaired children nearly seven years ago in Atgharia of the district has remained uncared for due to lack of manpower.

The two-storey school building was constructed adjacent to Atgharia Government High School at a cost of Tk 01 crore in 2017.

The sources concerned said the school could not be launched due to shortages of teachers, staff members and necessary equipment.

The school building has been unused for a long time. Now, it is on the verge of ruination due to lack of manpower.

According to the social services office, there are about 6,225 visually impaired people in nine upazilas of Pabna district, of whom 25 per cent are students.

Many of them are from poor families. It is not possible to teach them in ordinary schools. So, this school for the visually impaired children was established.

According to the sources, the posts of resident teachers, subject-based skilled teachers, cooks, guards and other employees were created before the school was launched.

However, the posts have not been fulfilled with skilled manpower.

Locals said the school building has remained locked for a long time.

Deputy Director of Social Services Department Md Rashedul Kabir told The Financial Express, "Since manpower is not appointed, the school is being considered for different management."

"Integrated visually impaired education programmes have been taken with special arrangements to be made with ordinary students in local schools.

He has assured that the school would be launched after appointment of necessary staff members.

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