Balasore: Encroachments on government land and opposition to land acquisition have become a major stumbling block in carrying forward work on model school projects in Balasore.
As a result, the government is failing in its aim of providing quality education through model schools in the district.
According to reports, the government has decided to build model schools at Oupada, Remuna and Simulia blocks. The administration had identified 21.75 acres of government land for a model school at Sutei Badagan under Remuna block.
Around 70 to 80 tribal families have made this land their home over the years. They have built ponds, playgrounds, temples and a cremation ground while government offices have also come up on the land. A minimum of 15 acres of land is required for the model school. The families have now demanded alternative sites for playgrounds, temples and cremation ground.
On the other hand, the school project worth Rs 4 crore is now on the backburner due to delays in land acquisition.
As administrative officials reached the place Tuesday for land demarcation and acquisition, hundreds of villagers along with their children opposed the project, demanding provision of alternative places for various facilities. Tension gripped the area as police forces from Industrial police station, Sahadevkhunta, Sadar police station and Balasore DSP arrived at the spot.
Similarly, the model school project at Jamudia under Nilagiri block is getting delayed due to resistance of locals to land acquisition.
Besides, work on Oupada model school has not yet started. Sources in the department said its work will begin after a tender is floated.
District education officer Hrushikesh Kandi said, “For lack of awareness among people, they are opposing the land acquisition. They do not know that children of the poor and people of SC/ST community can avail quality education. The school projects will certainly be completed though they may be delayed. Work for three blocks has started in the first phase. All blocks will have such schools.” PNN