Baliapal: The Government Primary School at Chaudhurikuda in Madhupura panchayat under Baliapal block of Baleshwar district, established in 1962, is struggling due to a lack of financial assistance and inadequate infrastructure.
The school has 67 students enrolled in Classes I to V. Sishu Vatika, a pre-primary section, was introduced last year, but no children have enrolled because of a shortage of teachers. The school receives Rs 25,000 annually from the government under the composite grant scheme.
However, it has received no separate financial assistance for infrastructure development, leaving basic facilities in poor condition. Parents are reluctant to send their children to the school because of the inadequate facilities. The school has three classrooms for five classes and three teachers, including the headmaster.
While Class V students occupy one room, the remaining two rooms accommodate two classes each. The rooms are so cramped that teachers find it difficult to distinguish students of different classes once they are seated. The 65-year-old school building is in a dilapidated condition, with cement plaster falling from the ceiling.
During the rainy season, water leaks through the roof, damaging students’ books and other belongings. The school is also located in a flood-prone area, where water accumulates on the school verandah for months. Parents have expressed concern over the safety of children studying in the deteriorating building and urged authorities to address the infrastructure problems.
The school cannot even afford to paint its walls because of fund shortage. Acting headmaster Sushant Kumar Kar said the government provides an annual grant of Rs 25,000 under the composite grant scheme, based on student enrolment. The money is used to purchase teaching materials and meet essential expenses. The school has only one office room, which also serves as storeroom.
When assistant teacher Ajay Murmu is away on official work, assistant teacher Deepali Parida has to teach all the students on her own. Desks and benches are damaged, while two urinals are in a dilapidated condition. One toilet is shared by teachers and students. The school has a pump set and a tubewell for drinking water, but both get submerged during floods.
Parents have demanded that the government provide a water filter to ensure access to safe drinking water. With no designated space for serving midday meals, students eat on the verandah. During rain, however, they are forced to have their meals inside classrooms. The school also lacks a playground on its premises.
School management committee president Susama Pramanik said the school had never received funds from panchayats or local public representatives. Villagers have demanded adequate teachers, additional classrooms, proper toilet facilities and safe drinking water. Block Education Officer Samarani Sethi said the authorities concerned would be informed about the school’s problems and steps would be taken to address them.
