By Giridhari Parichha, OP
Paralakhemundi: The Government Primary Residential School at Maringi under Labanyagarh panchayat in Goshani block of Gajapati district is functioning amid several problems, including a shortage of classrooms and teachers.
Established in 1999 and located just 6 km from the block headquarters, the school has 104 students of five classes (Class I to V) studying in just two classrooms. Only two teachers are posted at the school and they are also responsible for managing the hostel. This has adversely affected teaching, according to parents and school authorities.
Two teachers from the school went on a deputation in 2021, but no replacements have been appointed since then. Headmaster (in-charge) Nityananda Palei said the matter has been brought to the attention of officials ranging from the Block Education Officer (BEO) to the District Education Officer (DEO) as well as local political leaders, but no action has been taken.
The school also lacks adequate infrastructure apart from shortage of teachers. Located on a roadside, it has no boundary wall. An electricity transformer near the school has been left exposed, raising safety concerns for students.
The school does not have a functional toilet for students either. Construction of a new toilet began long ago but remains incomplete.
Drinking water is another major concern. Because the school is in a hilly area, the nearby tube well does not provide sufficient water. The school therefore depends on a drinking water project in a nearby village. Although the administration decided to dig another tube well, the work has yet to begin.
The problems at the residential school worsen during the rainy season. Water leaks through the roof of the old classrooms, while muddy rainwater flows down the hills into the school campus. Although one classroom has been repaired, problems persist in the other classroom building.
Parents have questioned how the school can provide a secure future for students under such conditions. They demanded immediate appointment of teachers, repairs to classrooms, construction of a boundary wall, completion of toilet facilities, resolution of drinking water problems and safety measures around the exposed transformer.
DEO Mayadhar Sahu said the school’s headmaster retired two months ago and that a new headmaster and the required number of teachers would be appointed soon. Steps are being taken to ensure that teaching is not disrupted, he said.
Block Welfare Officer Swadhin Parida said the residential school receives `1 lakh annually for maintenance. The funds are used to maintain the hostel, he said.
Acting headmaster Palei said the block administration spent `2 lakh on classroom maintenance under the 15th Central Finance Commission grant for 2025-26.