In the backdrop of the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the premises of some of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are being utilised for the purpose of setting up the temporary campus for isolation, medical facility for the patients affected with the fatal virus.

Pertinently, there are more than 15 JNVs which are residential schools functioning under the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) are functioning in J&K. These included Aishmuquam (Anantnag district), Shahkote Boniyar (Baramulla district), Khanpora (Budgam district), (Kulgam), Putshai Lolab (Kupwara district), Agglar (Shopian district), Hathbara (Ganderbal district), Rakh Jaganoo (Udhampur district), Kotranka (Rajouri district), Reasi, Surankote (Poonch district), Basohli (Kathua district), Nud (Samba district), Arnora Ghat (Doda district) and Jammu district.

Overall, JNVs are functional in 645 districts across the country.

“Yes, temporary campus for isolation/medical facility is being set up in JNVs in J&K. Though the exact figure is not available regarding in how many vidyalayas such facilities have been established. The decision to utilise the JNVs buildings for setting up temporary camps, medical facility was taken by the central ministry after sudden spurt in number of COVID-19 cases in all states/union territories across the country”, a JNV official informed.

“Around 570 JNVs which are functioning from their permanent buildings in the country were considered for opening medical facilities for COVID-19 19 patients. Amid countrywide lockdown, students are not residing inside the premises at present. JNV buildings in J&K UT are being utilised for the purpose of setting up temporary medical facilities/quarantine camps for isolation”, officially added.

The official further stated that some of the JNVs also have students residing in the hostels as they could not be moved out due to disruption of inter-state rail/bus services.

Sources said before the temporary campus for isolation/medical facility, the suitability of the available infrastructure was assessed by the concerned District Magistrates who were also heading the Vidyalaya Management Committees.

Later, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) issued necessary directions to the Principals concerned to extend all cooperation with the district administration in this regard.