Budhal Resident Protest against Deteriorating Education and Health Care Systems 

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

ZAHID SHAH

BUDHAL AUGUST 30:- The Residents of Budhal Division in District Rajouri took to the streets in a peaceful protest, voicing their frustration and anger over the government’s persistent neglect of key issues related to education and healthcare in the region. The protest aimed to shed light on the deteriorating conditions of public schools and healthcare facilities, demanding immediate government intervention to safeguard the basic rights of the people.

The protestors condemned the government for its failure to address the growing challenges facing Budhal. They focused particularly on the severe shortage of teaching staff in local schools, the crumbling infrastructure of these institutions, and the lack of essential resources in the area’s healthcare centers. Protesters stressed that the residents of Budhal were being denied their fundamental rights.

Slogans were raised in protest of the government’s unfulfilled promises, with many citing the critical state of government schools in the area. The shortage of teachers has reached alarming levels, leaving many students without adequate education. School buildings are in disrepair, with basic amenities, including toilets, unavailable. This situation poses a serious threat to the academic and personal development of students.

Local activist Manir Mughal expressed his frustration, saying: “This is the reality in which we are supposed to educate our future generations. How can government institutions, designed to secure the future of our children, completely ignore their plight? The collapse of Budhal’s schools is proof that the government’s promises are hollow, and in practice, it is destroying our children’s education.”

Meanwhile, the situation at the Primary Health Center Budhal is equally alarming. Established in 1970, the facility has yet to be upgraded to a Community Health Center, and it remains severely under-equipped with outdated machinery and insufficient medical staff. Locals are forced to travel long distances to access even basic healthcare. Muhammad Yousaf, a resident of Budhal, remarked: “This is the height of negligence! Instead of addressing the healthcare needs of our people, the government is putting their lives at risk. The silence from our officials has left us utterly disillusioned.”

Manir Mughal also highlighted the apathy of political leaders, noting that during every election cycle, the people of Budhal are divided along caste lines to secure votes. However, once the elections are over, these leaders fail to visit the region or make any meaningful efforts to address the people’s concerns. Moghal pointed out that the people of Budhal are treated like mere vote banks, only to be forgotten when it comes to fulfilling promises.

The protesters made a clear demand to the government: the immediate appointment of teachers in local schools, repairs to dilapidated school buildings, and an upgrade of the Primary Health Center to a fully functional Community Health Center, complete with modern equipment, sufficient medical staff, and essential healthcare services. They sent a strong message that if the government fails to act swiftly, the protests will escalate.