Samba, August 25: Residents and parents from remote and hilly areas have urged the government to establish a hostel facility at the Government Higher Secondary School for students and staff who travel from distant villages.

Students from areas including Jeed, Souram, Sanoor, Masroor, Kaid, Beli, Hunded, Janoh, Kard and Banab have to cover considerable distances to attend school. Residents said that travelling becomes particularly difficult during the rainy and winter seasons, when roads and traditional routes in the hilly areas often become challenging.

The residents said that a hostel facility near the school would provide students with safe and convenient accommodation and reduce the hardship of daily commuting. It would be especially beneficial for children coming from villages located far away from the school.

They also demanded suitable accommodation for teaching and other staff posted at the institution, particularly those who come from distant areas and face difficulties in reaching the school during adverse weather conditions.

Residents appealed to the government and the concerned education authorities to consider establishing a dedicated hostel at the Government Higher Secondary School. They said such a facility would help ensure that students from remote mountainous areas can continue their education without disruption.

They further urged the administration to provide hostel facilities for students from hilly regions on the lines of accommodation facilities provided for other vulnerable sections, so that distance, difficult terrain and harsh weather do not become barriers to education.

The residents expressed hope that the government will take the demand seriously and initiate necessary steps for establishing the hostel at the earliest.