Aradi: Despite the state government spending huge sums on primary education, there are a number of primary school in Bhadrak which are in bad shape, while there are scores others that are sans proper infrastructure.
One such example is a primary school at Taladumuka under Tihidi block in Bhadrak which is run from a shanty with thatched roof and mud-plastered bamboo walls. The authorities concerned have not taken any note of the condition of the school.
According to sources villagers themselves had taken an initiative to set this primary school in 2012. There were 30 children in the school during the first three years. Now considering the lack of proper infrastructure a number of parents have stopped sending their children to the school. As a result the number of students has come down to 20 now.
The school has only two teachers for class up to fifth standard and it also lacks a kitchen.
Villagers allege that they have informed local representatives, political leaders and school education authorities about the sorry state of affairs here more than a couple of times, but no one has paid any attention.
Nilamani Barik, a villager, said, “The villagers have built this thatched house. The government has not paid heed to its condition. The school and mass education department should do the needful.”
Headmaster-in-charge Guruba Singh said, “I have been working here for the last two years. The school has a number of problems. We hope the department will sort them out.”
RCC of SSA Sudhir Samal said that infrastructure of the school will be improved gradually. If the villagers choose a right place, classrooms will commence from the next academic year, he added.
Additional block education officer Anil Kumar Nayak said that all are well aware of the condition of this school. “Rs 15 lakh has been sanctioned from SSA for classrooms of the school. There will be no hurdle for its building if the villagers find a place for it” the ABEO noted. PNN
