With the rainy season having already set in, the plight of children of a village under Koira block in Sundargarh district has doubled as they have to cross Lagei river to reach other side to attend Anganwadi centre.
These days, the Anganwadi Didi can be seen wading through the water with students in the crook of her arm. Though, it has become all in a day’s work for the Didi, it is always a risky affair for both the Didi and children.
Gopa Sahi of Oraghat village under Koira block is just 10 km away from the block headquarters. Lagei river separates the village from the Anganwadi centre. The river is almost dry round the year except for rainy season.
Hence, every year on the onset of the rainy season, children face a lot of trouble in attending Anganwadi centre.
This year is no different either.
Since the river is flowing to the brims of its banks, the Didi is crossing the river while carrying the children in her arms. This way, she is putting her as well as the children’s lives at risk, but she has no option left.
A bridge across the river has been in the wish list of the villagers. The villagers alleged that they have been hearing that the process for floating a tender for the proposed bridge has long been completed but not a single piece of brick is found at the proposed site.
As of a now, a question is arising that if any mishap happens, who will be responsible.
Another picture of sorry state of affairs in education sector has emerged from Naktideul area in Sambalpur district. Here is a school named Keutaberani UP school. For days together, the institution has been devoid of any teacher. This is why the students have regularly been going to the school only to return without attending any class.
Till June, a single teacher used to manage the show. After his retirement in June, while the school has become devoid of teacher, the administration is yet to wake up from its deep slumber to appoint a teacher.