By NARESH CHANDRA PATTANAYAK, OP
Kendujhar: The Municipal Government High School in Ward No. 1 of the old town area of Kendujhargada Municipality is functioning in a hazardous condition with dilapidated classrooms, leaking roofs and inadequate basic facilities.
The school’s old asbestos-roofed classrooms have deteriorated badly with rainwater leaking and disrupting classes during the monsoon. Parents have expressed concern over the condition, saying the institution is struggling to retain its identity despite being one of the oldest schools in the district headquarters.
Established in 1959, the school now faces serious infrastructure problems. There is no safe, permanent roofed space for students and teachers. The school also lacks clean drinking water and adequate toilet facilities.
The absence of a boundary wall has further worsened the situation, with the premises reportedly becoming a gathering place for antisocial elements. Parents said the neglected surroundings and poor infrastructure are discouraging students from enrolling at the school. They have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to repair or replace the unsafe structures and improve basic amenities on the campus.
A total of 148 students enrolled in Classes I to X study at the school. Classes are held in four classrooms that are in relatively good condition. The other classrooms have leaking tiled and asbestos roofs, while the verandah and classroom floors are badly damaged. Students drink water from a borewell because the school does not have a water purifier. Although toilets are available, there is no proper pathway leading to them, raising concerns about snakes and other reptiles.
The school also lacks a playground, hampering students’ physical development. The absence of a boundary wall behind the campus allows stray dogs, cattle and antisocial elements to enter freely, disrupting the academic environment and posing a threat to students’ safety. School computers, fans, electric bulbs and other equipment have reportedly been stolen on several occasions.
Overgrown vegetation on the campus has also created a habitat for snakes and other reptiles, further increasing safety concerns. Parents have expressed dissatisfaction over the condition of the school and the risks faced by the students. The lack of proper roofing has also resulted in rainwater damaging computers, cupboards, library materials, science equipment and sports equipment.
Headmistress Santoshini Sethi said she has brought the school’s problems to the attention of the District Collector and requested new classrooms for students and a separate building for teachers. Local councillor Sarat Sahu said the administration has taken little action to improve several old schools in the district.
As a result, he said, students are leaving to study elsewhere. He urged authorities to take immediate steps to improve the school. Former municipality chairman and Old Town resident Prabhanjan Pattnaik said the wooden beams supporting the classroom roof have weakened and are in poor condition. “There is no telling when the tiles or asbestos sheets could give way,” he said.
School Management Committee chairman Sudhanshu Nayak said more than 400 students previously attended the school. With higher enrolment, each class was divided into two sections.
However, persistent infrastructure problems have led to a steady decline in enrolment. “We have repeatedly brought the issue to the attention of the administration, but no action has been taken,” Nayak said.
With fewer students, classes are now being conducted without separate sections. Block Education Officer Omkar Anwesh said schools with 100 to 250 students receive Rs 50,000 annually for expenses such as drinking water and sanitation facilities. An additional Rs 20,000 is provided for sports and 2,000 rupees for cleanliness.
He said the block administration and municipality are responsible for taking steps for construction and repair of school buildings.