Semiliguda: Primary education is said to be the backbone for children’s development. However, the Chintal Majari Primary School in Semiliguda block tells a different story.
At this school, teachers don’t attend the classes regularly and classrooms remain closed most of the time. As a result, many local students have moved to other schools.
Allegedly, the teachers are able to manage the situation as they have formed a nexus with the cluster resources centre coordinator. The school’s classrooms are locked up and teachers come to the school only once or twice a month to receive their salaries.
Shockingly, the total strength of the school has come down to 10 from about 20. At times, teachers argue that they are unable to attend the school because of lack of proper road. They also give wrong information to the departmental officials and the district administration.
Moreover, this school doesn’t have a signage on its building, which is a basic requirement of a school. It has two teachers for 10 students. As no academic activities are going on, youths of the nearby villages use the school’s playground for playing volleyball.
According to sources, the BEO has sanctioned funds for the construction of new classrooms in the school. There are students from Class 1 to Class 5, but they can’t answer even simple questions. Students have gradually stopped coming to the school; either they play at home or help their parents in household work, during the school hours.
Locals and social activists have demanded an inquiry into the school affairs and restoration of the academic system. Block education officer Bijaya Kumari was unavailable for her comment.
PNN
