The students of Khatugaon 5T government school under Sundargarh’s Lahunipada block had a close shave after a portion of concrete fell off the roof of a classroom on Wednesday.
As per reports, the school was transformed just eight months back under the 5T initiative of the Odisha government. However, it is alleged that the contractor and officials resorted to corruption as indicated by the falling concrete from the roof.
“We were out during the sports break when the cement plaster broke off from the roof. Had there been classes underway, students might have got injured. Though the government has provided us new classrooms, we are still coming to school fearing injury,” said a student of the school, Rajat Mohanty.
Speaking about the incident, the Headmistress of the school, Mahima Hembram said, “Concrete from the roof fell. Thankfully, nobody was injured. The repair works and new classrooms were done as per the law. But I will report the incident to the authorities. They will take appropriate steps.”
Khatugaon School president, Rebati Mohan Mohapatra said, “The school was transformed under the 5T initiative eight months back. Seems the authorities have done a substandard job while renovating the school. There should be a proper inquiry into this.”
The contractor was not available for comments in this connection.