Kendrapara: Students of a government-run primary school in this district are reportedly engaged to clean the soiled utensils of their teachers.
According to reports, Badakula Upper Primary School under Mahakalapada block has 175 students from Class I to VII. The school has seven teachers. However, most of the time, girl students of the school, are forced to do manual works instead of studying.
“I have taken up the matter with the headmistress and the block education officer several times, but they did not pay heed to my allegations,” said Lalatendu Rout, the school managing committee (SMC) chairperson. It is also alleged that mid-day meals (MDM) provided to the students in this school are of sub-standard quality.
As per guidelines, MDM bank account should be jointly opened by the headmaster and the chairperson of the SMC. But here, the joint account of the MDM has been opened by the headmistress and the cluster resources centre coordinator, alleged Rout. The school headmistress Minati Samal is the wife of the local sarpanch, while another teacher Rebati Lenka is the wife of additional block education officer, it was learnt.
When contacted, Samal admitted that girl students were a couple of times asked to clean the soiled utensils of teachers. Guardians said engagement of students in such kinds of jobs is unlawful.
“The allegations are serious in nature and are being looked into. I have directed a probe into the matter and action would be taken against whoever is found guilty,” said district collector Muralidhar Mallik. PNN
