Computer education in 5T schools across Odisha in limbo, corruption alleged in procurement

Though computers are available aplenty in various 5T schools in different districts across Odisha, the lack of trained teachers has jeopardized computer education in those schools. As a result, hundreds of computers are gathering dust after lying unused for a long time. Moreover, corruption allegations have cropped up in the procurement of computers putting the intention of the previous government under scanner.

This kind of situation is rampant in almost all the 5T schools in the undivided Koraput district. Though computers and all kinds of necessary infrastructure are ready and students are very much interested in technical education, no teachers have been appointed to impart computer education to the students in those schools.

Take the case of Godihanjar school under the Lamtaput block in the district. A well-furnished classroom with eight computers is ready in the educational institution. However, no computer teacher has been appointed yet. As a result, mathematics, science and physical education teachers are teaching computer education to students on a temporary basis.

As per sources, computers have been provided to as many as 17 schools in the district. However, a single computer teacher has not been appointed in those schools.

Similar is the case in the 5T schools of Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks. The computers in many schools have not yet been opened due to the non-appointment of computer teachers.

“We request the government to appoint a computer teacher in our school,” said Subas Khila, a student of Godihanjar school.

“I am not a computer teacher. I am not also trained in the subject. We are somehow managing the computers,” said Santosh Tripathi, science teacher of Godihanjar school.

Almost all the 5T schools in Malkangiri district are also grappling with the same kind of crisis. Following the transformation of the school buildings under the 5T initiative in 2023, those educational institutions were provided 8-10 computers each. However, not a single computer teacher has been appointed in those schools by the then government putting the initiative in limbo.

“We need a permanent computer teacher in our school,” said K Niharika, a student of Chitrakonda school.

“Though other teachers are operating computers, they are not experts in the subject. We need a computer teacher in our school,” said Janaki Hantal, Headmistress of Chitrakonda School.

Similar is the case in most of the 5T schools in Nabarangpur district. Following the development questions are being raised over the intention of the previous government as to why crores of rupees were spent in procuring computers when no teachers were appointed for imparting education in the subject to the students.

Meanwhile, it has been alleged that a huge amount of corruption has been made in procuring computers under the 5T initiative in a hasty manner. 

In response, Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said that the matter will be investigated and steps will be taken to appoint computer teachers.

“These kinds of works were executed only to siphon off money. We will initiate an inquiry into the matter and necessary action will be taken,” said Gond.