Nuagaon: Caught between the irregularities of officials and the negligence of the administration, the Malisahi panchayat-based Chakapathar Upgraded Primary School in this block in Nayagarh district poses a grave danger to its minor students.
The 10-year-old only primary school in the area is another example of the insensitiveness of officials. From lack of teachers to proper infrastructure, the school is nothing but a cemented building that can collapse anytime.
The wish list of the school is long, ranging from electricity, drinking water, toilets, drainage and many more. The half-constructed building is on the verge of collapse. “It can collapse any minute,” said a local.
Although the government provides funds for renovation of the school, it is embezzled by the headmaster and others, locals said. This has left the half-constructed school on the verge of closure, they added.
Accommodating students from Class I to Class V, the school is looked after by two teachers including the headmaster. As the school is located in an interior area, the headmaster hardly shows up in school.
Most of the time, he is absent on the pretext of meetings and school affairs. This has not only deprived students of education, but also plays with their future. Surprisingly, the students haven’t received uniforms and books in three years. The students come to school with torn clothes. Although the government has made eggs mandatory in MDM, it is yet to be introduced in this school.
When contacted, village committee member Amar Pradhan said the students were not given eggs. Committee members had tried to bring the matter to the notice of the administration in vain.
On the other hand, additional block education officer Nilakantha Mohanty said he had not received any complaints. Locals demanded the administration take notice of the schools’ condition before it collapses. PNN
