Bandhugaon: Education at the New Upper Primary School at Baunsaput under Bandhugaon block in Koraput district is a backbencher with teachers playing truant.
Some teachers are conspicuous by their absence for several months; among those ‘present’, some leave for the day after after signing the duty roster while others mostly loiter around on the school premises, holding the ubiquitous cell phones to their ears.
Since the beginning, the school has had six teachers for ‘imparting education’ to 194 students.
The school headmaster, Nilamani Sahoo, appears to lead from the front; he often goes on leave and on days he doesn’t, he still stays away from school saying he is out for official work, alleged villagers.
Madhav Behera, one of the teachers, is absent for long despite strict action having been taken against him. The headmaster recently apprised the matter to his higher-ups, they further alleged.
Another teacher Pratap Panda was asked as to why he came to school without uniform to which he replied, “The government has lifted the rule.” About playing with his mobile phone without taking classes during the school hours, he said, “It’s my wish.”
On the other hand, about low-quality of food being served as mid- day meals, the headmaster said the students have complained about the poor quality of rice. The district Collector has been requested by the villagers for taking necessary steps in this regard.
The students are suffering for a long time. Quick action needs to be taken or else their future is at stake, one of the locals commented.
PNN
