By RABINDRA NATH BARIK, OP
Patkura: Students at Madhushasan Nodal Upper Primary School in Kendrapada district are forced to sit on the floor while attending classes due to a shortage of desks, benches and adequate classrooms, highlighting the poor infrastructure at the century-old institution.
Located at the headquarters of Madhushasan gram panchayat in Garadpur block, the school was established in 1917. It has 120 students across nine classes, from Shishu Vatika to Class VIII, and six teachers.
However, only five classrooms are available to accommodate all the students. One of these rooms is in a dilapidated condition, leaving the school with just four usable classrooms. Cement plaster is reportedly falling from the ceiling of the damaged classroom, making it unsafe for teaching.
As a result, students from multiple classes have to share the remaining rooms, disrupting the teaching and learning process. The absence of desks and benches has further compounded their difficulties, forcing children to sit on the floor during lessons. Parents said the situation becomes particularly uncomfortable during the rainy and winter seasons.
The school also lacks several essential facilities. A boundary wall exists only along the front side, while the other three sides remain open, allowing stray cattle and unauthorised visitors to enter the premises.
A water tank on the school campus was reportedly damaged by miscreants recently, creating problems in providing drinking water to students. The toilets are in a dilapidated condition, forcing children to relieve themselves in the open. The school also lacks a playground, depriving students of adequate space for sports and recreational activities.
The institution has to arrange annual sports events and other outdoor activities at alternative locations. Although a kitchen is available for preparing midday meals, students have to sit on the verandah to eat. The approach road to the school is also in poor condition, making it difficult for children to reach the institution, particularly during adverse weather.
Parents alleged that the continuing shortage of infrastructure and basic amenities had contributed to a decline in student enrolment over the years. Education department sources said the school had not received any government grant in the past five years. School management committee chairman Maheswar Panda said the school lacked desks, benches and proper toilet facilities.
Despite repeated requests to education officials, no effective steps had been taken to resolve the problems, he said, adding that financial constraints were a major obstacle. Headmaster Ajay Kumar Mohapatra said the absence of government grants has prevented the school from procuring desks and benches for students, constructing a boundary wall around the entire campus and improving sanitation facilities.
Block Education Officer (BEO) Ajay Kumar Sethi acknowledged the infrastructure prob lems but said the lack of government funding had hindered remedial measures. Block Development Officer (BDO) Alok Kumar Sethi said necessary steps would be taken soon.
Garadpur Panchayat Samiti chairman Abhaya Kumar Mahraj said he was previously unaware of the school’s difficulties but would take up the matter with the Patkura MLA and seek improvements to its infrastructure.
Parents and residents have urged the authorities to provide adequate classrooms, desks, benches, safe drinking water and functional toilets to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for the students.