Move for library on school playground opposed

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, FEB. 18. Members of several Muslim organisations have protested the decision of the State Government to construct a library for a teachers' training institute in the playground of the Government Hobart Higher Secondary School for Muslim Girls in Royapettah.

Mr. Habibullah Badsha, former Advocate General, told mediapersons today that this is the only higher secondary school for Muslim girls in Chennai, imparting education in Urdu and English medium.

Students of the school excel in throw ball and volley ball and the playground is used for various games such as athletics, for training in kung fu and karate, besides being used for conducting morning assembly and school functions.

``Even according to the environmental requirements and as per the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Regulation Act and Rules, the playground and open spaces are an absolute necessity'', he said, appealing to the Government to let the playground remain as it was.

The Prince of Arcot, Mr. Mohammed Abdul Ali, said a similar problem confronted the Madrasa-e-Azam Government Boys School on Anna Salai where there was a move to provide for a parking space. Now work was in progress to construct a memorial for Quaid-e- Millet.

``Even Quaid-e-Millet will turn in his grave if he knows that an educational institution will be sacrificed for construction of a memorial'', Mr. Habibullah Basha added.

Ms. Jahan Ara Begum, secretary of the Old Students' Association of the Government Hobart Higher Secondary School, said when Rs. 40 lakhs was granted for the library, the Government did not find the funds to repair the school buildings which badly needed reconstruction.

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Section  : Southern States
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