By MANAS CHANDRA PATTNAIK, OP
Nirakarpur: A primary school in Bagheiput village under Tangi block in Khordha district has remained closed for six years, forcing children to travel nearly 3 km daily to attend classes at another school.
Despite repeated appeals, villagers said the Education Department has failed to act on their demand to reopen the institution. The school was closed following an October 12, 2020, notification (No. 14331) issued by the state Education Department, which ordered the closure and merger of schools with fewer than 20 students.
Seven schools in Tangi block were shut under the exercise, including Bagheiput Primary School, which was merged with Sarapari School. Since then, children have been travelling nearly 3 km to Sarapari.
The route passes through areas frequented by elephants and wild boars, raising serious safety concerns among parents. Established in 1968, Bagheiput Primary School served the village for more than five decades. It had 17 to 20 students when it was closed. Villagers now claim that around 33 children from the area need access to schooling.
Parent Sachikan ta Behera said the closure had caused considerable hardship for families. “Since the school was shut down, children have had to travel nearly 3.5 kilometres daily to attend classes at Sarapari School.
The route passes through areas frequently visited by elephants and wild boars, leaving us constantly worried about their safety,” he said.
Some parents have reportedly sent their children to stay with relatives to avoid the risks associated with travelling. Families who can afford it have enrolled their children in private schools, while those from poorer households continue to depend on distant schools. Social worker Charan Man garaj said villagers had repeatedly approached education officials and the district administration.
Although officials had visited the village and inspected the school, no action followed. He urged the administration to reopen the institution. Behera said the school had 18 to 20 students at the time of closure and villagers had subsequently tried to enrol two more. However, the then Block Education Officer (BEO) reportedly told them that reopening would require an enrolment of at least 30 students.
In 2021, villagers again approached the BEO, claiming that 33 children were available for enrolment. Following an inspection, officials reportedly assured them that the school would reopen. Residents even cleaned the premises in anticipation of classes resuming, but the promise remained unfulfilled.
Last year, villagers submitted a petition to Khordha Collector Amrit Ruturaj, who forwarded it to the BEO for necessary action.
However, residents said no steps had been taken. In-charge BEO Snigdha Chhotray said the department was unaware of the issue and would conduct an inquiry if villagers submitted a fresh complaint. District Education Officer (DEO) Sonamika Ray said the matter would be examined and necessary steps taken after reviewing the school’s situation.