By Prabhata Kumar Panigrahi, OP
Khordha: Poor sanitation and inadequate infrastructure at Government High School, Gurujang, have left students struggling with severe hardships, despite the State Government spending crores of rupees under various schemes to improve educational infrastructure.
Established in 1969, the school has 724 students from Shishu Vatika to Class X. Among them, eight are in Shishu Vatika, 215 in primary classes from Class I to V, 244 in upper primary classes from Class VI to VIII, and 257 in secondary classes from Class IX and X.
The toilet meant for boys is in a poor condition, forcing students to relieve themselves in the open or even on the school playground, the students said. Some students said they do not eat the midday meal (MDM) properly for fear of having to relieve themselves outside.
There is one toilet for girls, but water shortage is a frequent problem. Some girl students also alleged that adequate attention is not being paid to cleaning the toilets. The school has two water purifi ers for drinking water. However, cracks have developed in the walls of the school building, while weeds and creepers have covered the windows. Several windows have also been damaged.
The overgrown vegetation around the boundary wall has created the impression of an artificial forest, raising concerns about the presence of wild animals and reptiles. The school also faces shortage of teachers and Class IV employees.
As far as the student strength is concerned, the school needs three Class IV employees. However, only one is available. When the employee is on leave, teachers have to perform duties such as ringing the school bell. Two teacher posts each at the primary and secondary levels are vacant.
A shortage of classrooms has also forced about 70 to 80 students to sit in a single classroom, sources said. The School Management Committee has urged the authorities to provide additional classrooms to ensure a more organised learning environment. A parent, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the school lacks a proper academic environment conducive to quality education.
“About 800 students from Shisu Vatika to Class X study at the school, but adequate attention is not being paid to their safety and health,” the parent alleged. Headmaster Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said he has joined the school only a few months ago following his transfer.
“The school authorities are focusing on improving the academic environment, ensuring quality education and maintaining cleanliness. Health of the students is our priority,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to address the school’s sanitation and toilet-related problems.
School Management Committee president Gautam Pattajoshi said he has assumed the offi ce only a few days ago and has launched efforts to improve the school environment. In the fi rst phase, the committee has started clearing unwanted vegetation on the school premises.
It will subsequently focus on resolving sanitation and toilet problems faced by students, he said. A letter will be sent to Khordha Municipality seeking assistance in addressing the sanitation issues, Pattajoshi said. He added that the school also needs additional classrooms and that the matter would be brought to the attention of the district administration and the district education department.
Khordha Collector Amrit Ruturaj said he has advised the DEO to take appropriate steps to ensure clean and usable toilets for students in all government schools in the district.