Kendrapara: The government has been spending lakhs of rupees under the Sarva Sikhya Abhiyan (SSA) to improve infrastructure at schools, but the ground reality in this district tells a different tale.
A case in point is the Mandalapara Project Primary School at Suniti in Mahakalapara block. The school with 35 students in its rolls has been functioning from a ramshackle thatched house amid farmlands.
In the absence of a road leading to the school, which was set up about a decade ago, students have to walk through the farmland to reach the school. Their problems compound in the rainy season when they have to wade through knee-deep rainwater on the farmland.
Two teachers, including a headmaster, have been appointed to the school, but as the latter shows up only twice a week, the institute is effectively run by the lone teacher.
Most of the time the students fail to avail mid-day meal due to lack of a kitchen. Though lavatories were built, students fail to make use of the facility as for that they have to walk through rainwater inundated field.
Villagers alleged the administration has turned a blind eye towards the problems of the school though it has been over 10 years. Guardians apprehend that the dilapidated walls of the school may cave in, but in the absence of another school in proximity, they are forced to send their wards to this school.
Though the district education department had in 2008 provided a sum of Rs 4.80 lakh for construction of a building for the school, the amount has been misappropriated, locals alleged. They accused the administration of not taking any action in this regard.
Though the villagers and the school managing committee have taken up the problems of the school with the authorities concerned several times, nothing has been done to address their concerns, locals said.
When contacted district collector, Reghu G, said he would direct the block education officer of Mahakalapara to conduct an on-the-spot inquiry and submit a report.
Steps would be taken to provide basic facilities to the school for its smooth functioning, the collector added. PNN