SUCHISMITA SAHU, OP
Bhubaneswar: Two years after the change of government in Odisha, school infrastructure continues to remain a concern, with several schools still lacking basic facilities. Many schools do not have boundary walls, while classes are being held in dilapidated buildings at some places and under trees at others. Shortages of drinking water, electricity and internet connectivity continue to affect schools across the state. Crores of rupees were allegedly spent on smart classrooms under the previous BJD government. However, the BJP government’s plan to introduce digital and AI-based smart classrooms has also come under scrutiny, with concerns being raised over the feasibility of the project amid inadequate basic infrastructure. The Utkal Parents’ Federation (UPF) has expressed concern over the government’s plan to implement the multi-crore project without first ensuring the necessary infrastructure in schools.
The parents’ body has alleged that even after spending crores of rupees under the previous government’s 5T school transformation programme, libraries, laboratories and smart classrooms in many schools remained non-functional. The present government is planning to invest more than Rs 1,000 crore to introduce AI-based education and smart classrooms in more than 5,000 schools. However, the tendering process has also become controversial. “Before introducing smart classrooms, the basic infrastructure of schools must first be strengthened. Public money running into thousands of crores should not be wasted without fixing the existing infrastructure,” said Krushna Chandra Pati, president of UPF.
According to information available, the infrastructure of 1,763 schools across the state is not in proper condition. Among these, 175 schools are in Sambalpur, 122 in Mayurbhanj, 107 in Sonepur, 101 in Kalahandi, 100 in Ganjam, 104 in Kataka, 95 in Baleshwar, 90 in Kendrapada and 94 in Kendujhar. Educationists suggested that the government should first address basic facilities, teacher shortages and infrastructure before placing greater emphasis on AI and virtual education.
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