Jajpur: A move by the state government to bring the Juanga tribals of hilltop Nagada village into the mainstream by educating their children has reportedly failed to achieve the desired results due to apathetic attitude of the district primary education project (DPEP).
The DPEP or the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan authorities have opened two primary schools at Nagada and Guhiasal villages to impart education to the children of the primitive Juanga tribe.
However, these schools have failed to attract children to classrooms due to lack of sincere efforts on the part of DPEP authorities and teachers.
The move came after over 21 kids died of malnutrition in Nagada in June, 2016. Nagada is a cluster of villages on a hilltop in a remote corner of Sukinda block in this district.
The spate of deaths propelled the state government to bring in development in these villages through provisions of education, healthcare, communication and drinking water.
The state government opened a primary school at Nagada November 25, last year, while another school was opened at Guhiasal to impart education to the children of Juangs tribals in Lower Nagada, Middle Nagada and Upper Nagada villages.
A provisional classroom was constructed while a teacher was appointed to impart education to the children. However, due to lack of administrative will power and sincere efforts the move has failed to meet its results.
After the malnutrition deaths, secretary-level officers of both the state and Union governments visited Nagada on regular basis and reviewed the implementation of developmental schemes.
A primary school was opened at Nagada in an asbestos roofed room where 54 students were admitted. The students were provided books, uniforms and educational kits while a junior teacher Dillip Kumar Dandapata and a para-teacher Ratnakar Mohanta were appointed in the school.
In the other school at Guhiasal, 26 students were admitted and two teachers – Chandrakanta Mohanta and Jagannath Tudu – were appointed.
The construction of a permanent school building is under way at an outlay of Rs 7 lakh. The project is expected to get completed by the second week of August, DPEP sources said.
However, neither teachers nor kids are coming to this school. The teachers are visiting the school at an interval of five days only to enter the name of students in the attendance register.
The school at Guhiasal has similarly failed to attract children, locals alleged. While a management committee has been formed for the Nagada school, there is none for the Guhiasal school.
DPEP project coordinator Bishnu Charan Sutar in his letter (1140/6.07.2017) to additional director (planning), OPEPA said midday meals are being served in both schools and permanent building for Guhiasal school will be constructed after completion of an approach to the village. PNN
