Deprived Schools: Crumbling classrooms leave parents worried

CHINMAYA KUMAR SETHI, OP

G Udayagiri: Ageing infrastructure at the 90-year old Hubback High School in G Udayagiri of Kandhamal district has pushed parents into constant anxiety as their children study in classrooms riddled with cracks. With the old structure lacking concrete pillars and nine classrooms reportedly in completely unsafe condition, parents say, an accident is waiting to happen at any moment. The school was established in 1936.

Several classrooms in its old building, which was constructed without concrete pillars, have developed cracks in the walls, roof and other parts. The damaged portions have only been repeatedly plastered and whitewashed, leaving the building vulnerable to further deterioration.

Parents say tragedy could strike at any time as they fear a collapse, particularly during heavy rain and strong winds. “When our children are inside the classrooms during rain and storms, we wait anxiously for them to return home safely,” said parent Bulu Tripathy. Headmaster Ranjit Patam ajhi said the school had 409 students from Classes VI to X in the 2025-26 academic year.

Enrolment has increased to 422 this year. Although the school has drinking water and toilet facilities, nine classrooms are in completely unsafe condition. The old classrooms need to be demolished and replaced with a two-storey building, while a kitchen and a bicycle stand are also required, Patamajhi said. The school earlier received an annual contingency grant of Rs 3 lakh. Since it was designated a PM SHRI school, the annual grant has increased to Rs 5 lakh. The funds are being used for the li brary, internet, digital boards, computers, laboratories, smart classrooms, playground and annual functions. However, no funds are being provided for construction of new classrooms or other infrastructure, making it difficult to replace the unsafe structures, Patmajhi said. Though former students of Hubback High School have completed their education, secured government jobs and even retired from service, the condition of the school’s classrooms has not improved. The deteriorating condition of the already dilapidated classrooms has raised concerns about the safety of students among parents.

Parents and local residents said students can get a safe and better learning environment only when basic infrastructure is improved. N Raju Rao, president of the Mo School Abhiyan committee, urged the state Education department to take special measures to construct new classrooms at the school. When contacted District Education Officer (DEO) Ranjan Kumar Kanhar said no steps have so far been taken to reconstruct the old and unsafe classrooms at Hubback High School. “Since it is a major project, if the headmaster submits a written proposal seeking demolition of the old classrooms and construction of new ones, I will approve it and forward it to the higher authorities of the department. Further action will be taken according to the directions received from them,” Kanhar said. He added that the school is being provided grants from time to time under contingency funds and other applicable funds as required.