Gop: Utkalmani Gopabandhu Nodal High School at Olandi under Dabhar panchayat in Gop block of Puri district is facing severe infrastructure deficiencies, with a dilapidated cyclone shelter housing the institution. The school has faced continued neglect despite being located in the panchayat where freedom fighter Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das worked.
The school lacks adequate classrooms and basic facilities. Students are forced to study in a dilapidated building and an unsafe cyclone shelter, while the school has no proper toilets or drinking water facilities. Parents alleged that the poor infrastructure has led to a decline in enrolment from 250-300 students earlier to 189 now.
The school was established in 1972 in a thatched-roof house in the name of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das. An asbestos-roofed building was later constructed by the state government. Four years ago, the school was included under the 5T school transformation programme of the previous state government, following which six classrooms were built.
Of these newly built classrooms, three are being used for students of Classes VIII to X, another as the school’s office and the remaining two to store various equipment. On the other hand, students of Classes VI and VII are being taught in a nearby unsafe cyclone shelter. The school also lacks adequate facilities for students and staff.
The mid-day meal is reportedly prepared and served in a dilapidated asbestos-roofed building, raising concerns over the safety and hygiene of the students. The school also lacks urinals and toilets, causing considerable inconvenience to students. There is no dedicated drinking water facility for the students. They are often seen drinking water from the water purifier installed in the school office for teachers.
Parents have expressed resentment over the poor conditions, but no steps have been taken to address the problems. The school also has no computers, depriving students of computer education. While two female teachers and eight male teachers are posted at the school, the posts of clerk and peon have remained vacant for a long time.
School management committee member Goutam Panda said the school which is in a flood-prone area is being neglected. The school boundary wall has also been damaged. He demanded urinals, toilets and drinking water facilities for students at the earliest. Headmistress Baishalini Mohapatra said efforts are underway to address the problems.
She said the school receives Rs 50,000 annually for expenses but has not received any other government grant in the past five years. When contacted, District Education Officer (DEO) Dipak Kumar Padhi said he had not received any such complaint but would look into the matter and take appropriate action.
