MANAS CHANDRA PATTANAIK, OP
Nirakarpur: The Dia Government Upper Primary School in Tangi block of Khordha district is struggling with a shortage of teachers and classrooms, affecting children’s studies.
Established in 1910, the school initially offered primary education from Class I through Class VII. Class VIII was added in 2017 following demands from local residents.
A Shishu Vatika (kindergarten) was also introduced a few years ago.
However, for its 102 students, the school has only four teachers, including the headmistress.
The shortage has forced multiple classes to share classrooms.
According to a teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity, students of Class VII and Class VIII, Class IV and Class V, and Class I to Class III are taught in separate shared rooms, while Class VI students occupy another classroom.
The school has seven rooms, but two are used to accommodate four Anganwadi centres in the absence of separate facilities.
These Anganwadi centres serve children from Dia’s Bhattasahi, Dalit Sahi, Bhoisahi and Kolasahi.
Residents said they have repeatedly demanded appointments to vacant teacher positions, but no permanent solution has been found.
The school also prepares midday meals (MDM) in a dilapidated asbestos-roofed structure, raising concerns about hygiene and safety.
Parents have urged authorities to appoint the required teachers, construct additional classrooms, provide separate buildings for the Anganwadi centres and build a proper kitchen for preparation of MDM.
Parent Ashok Mohapatra said the lack of a playground at the school has deprived students of opportunities to participate in sports and recreational activities. School Management Committee President Umesh Chandra Pattnaik said he assumed the post this year.
He said the school needs a kitchen, playground, additional teachers and more classrooms.
He urged the government to address the needs at the earliest. Headmistress Renubala Behera said school authorities have repeatedly brought the issues to the attention of senior officials.
The school currently has four teachers, with another teacher recently posted on deputation. She said the school has received no development funds in the past five years.
Block Education Officer (BEO) Snigdha Chhotray said promotions of primary school teachers are currently pending.
Once the process is completed, teachers will be posted to schools facing staff shortage, she said.
