Deprived Schools: 421 students squeezed into 5 classrooms

By MANAS CHANDRA PATTANAIK, OP

Nirakarpur: Imagine 100 students trying to learn in a single classroom, with many struggling to hear their teachers. This is the reality at Ugratara Government High School in Nuagarh panchayat under Tangi block of Khordha district, where 421 students share just five classrooms, exposing the glaring infrastructure gaps in rural education.

Established in 1977, the school caters to students from Classes VI to X. Its enrolment includes 100 students in Class X, 90 in Class IX, 91 in Class VIII, while its computers remain non-functional. Vacant posts of computer teacher and clerk have further affected academic and administrative activities.

Although the institution has a playground, the absence of a boundary wall leaves it vulnerable to outside interference. The lack of street lighting also raises security concerns. Parents and local residents have urged the Education Department and District Administration VIII, 63 in Class VII and 77 in Class VI.

The shortage of classrooms has forced the school to accommodate all 100 Class X students in one room, making it difficult for those seated at the back to hear lessons clearly. The problems extend beyond classrooms. The only tube well on the premises reportedly supplies iron-contaminated water, forcing students to depend on a well for drinking water. The water shortage becomes more acute during summer.

The school also has no physical education teacher, while its computers remain non-functional. Vacant posts of computer teacher and clerk have further affected academic and administrative activities. Although the institution has a playground, the absence of a boundary wall leaves it vulnerable to outside interference.

The lack of street lighting also raises security concerns. Parents and local residents have urged the Education department and district administration to construct additional classrooms, fill the vacant posts, repair computers, appoint a physical education teacher, build a boundary wall and ensure safe drinking water.