Bantala: Students of Government Primary School at Tumuni in Badakera panchayat of Anugola block and district are facing severe diffi culties due to inadequate infrastructure, including a shortage of classrooms, poor drinking water facilities and the absence of a boundary wall.
The situation has come to such a pass that they have to sit in the storeroom for lessons as the classrooms leak from the roof during rain. Established 21 years ago, the school lacks basic facilities. It has only two classrooms for six classes, from Sishu Vatika to Class V.
Both rooms are in a dilapidated condition due to lack of maintenance. During rainfall, water leaks through the roofs, often disrupting classes. As a result, students are frequently forced to sit and study in the storeroom. The school also lacks adequate drinking water facilities.
Although a hand pump has been installed on the premises, it is mostly nonfunctional. Poor toilet facilities have further compounded the difficulties faced by students. Although water is drawn using a motor pump, the supply is neither clean nor sufficient, making repairs to the tube well essential. The absence of a boundary wall has also raised concerns about the safety of young children.
Despite the problems persisting for years, no adequate steps have been taken to improve the school’s infrastructure. Consequently, several parents are reportedly shifting their children to private schools. Its enrolment has declined from 79 students in 2023-24 to 62 this year. Three teachers are engaged in instructing the students. Due to the infra woes, teachers are finding it difficult to conduct lessons effectively. Parents have urged the authorities to repair the classrooms and hand pump and construct a boundary wall to ensure a safe and conducive environment for students.
The condition of the toilets is equally deplorable. The old toilet block was demolished and a new one is being constructed, but the work remains incomplete. As the facility has been lying unfinished for a long time, students are unable to use it and are forced to relieve themselves in the open. The school lacks a boundary wall despite the Matilia nullah flowing alongside its premises. This poses a constant threat to the safety of young children.
Teachers have to remain vigilant during the midday meal and recess to prevent students from approaching the nullah. The concern among parents has intensified after a man died a few days ago after getting trapped in a hume pipe in the Matilia nullah. Repeated demands have been made to address the school’s problems, but no effective steps have been taken.
As a result, student enrolment is declining, said school management committee president Lambodar Khuntia. Headmistress said she had brought the school’s problems to the notice of BEO Ashok Kumar Pradhan. Pradhan said senior officials had been informed about water leaking through classroom roofs and other infrastructure-related issues. He assured that steps would be taken soon to resolve the problems.