Junagada: The Government Primary School at Mohanpada under this block in Kalahandi district has been conducting classes on the verandah of a villager’s house for nearly a year because the school building has become dilapidated and unsafe.
The school, established in 2000, currently has two teachers and 15 students from Sishu Vatika (kindergarten) through Class V.
The classrooms are no longer fit for use, forcing students to study elsewhere.
The school previously had 45 students, but enrolment has steadily declined due to the above reason.
Classes on the verandah are possible in normal weather, but conditions worsen during the rainy season.
Teachers have to stretch tarpaulins over the verandah to protect students from rainwater.
The arrangement has made teaching difficult and created an uncomfortable learning environment for young children since last one year.
Teachers are equally facing difficulty in teaching the students on a verandah.
The school also lacks toilet and drinking water facilities.
Students have to go outside to relieve themselves and walk to a nearby hand pump for water.
According to data available from the Block Education Officer’s (BEO) office, Rs 18.33 lakh was sanctioned in December 2025 for construction of a new classroom building.
However, construction has yet to begin, prompting concern and resentment among the students and parents. “We are facing many difficulties while studying.
The school building should be constructed soon,” a girl student said. Headmistress Reshmamanjari Singh and school committee president Kaikeyi Naik said they have repeatedly sought construction of a new school building.
They said a permanent building would resolve the problems faced by students.
Junagada BEO Tapan Majhi said the existing building has been closed and funds have been allocated for a new one.
Junagada BDO Debashis Kar said the tender process has been completed and construction will begin soon.