Cuttack school left paralysed: Parents of Class 10 students lock gates over incomplete syllabus, admin apathy

Parents and students of Nilamadhav Jew High School in Shasanpada in the Niali block of Cuttack district locked the school gate and launched a protest on Friday, leaving the functioning of the school paralysed.

According to reports, the protestors accused the school’s Sanskrit teacher of failing to conduct classes for an extended period, leaving students unprepared as matriculation examinations draw near. The agitators gheraoed the teacher inside the premises, demanding that authorities take immediate action.

Long-Standing Complaints From Parents

Parents said the problem had been continuing for months, and their repeated complaints had gone unanswered.

“The Sanskrit teacher has not held a single class in two months. The exams of our children are on their heads, and they have learnt nothing. We had earlier raised this matter with the teacher after our children informed us of it. She had assured of taking classes but did not,” alleged a parent.

Another added, “We don’t have any enmity with the teacher. But we want accountability. If she had any issues, she should have cleared them with the school management. The classes should have been conducted.” Parents stressed that despite approaching the school authorities several times, no corrective steps had been taken.

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Students Voice Exam Concerns

Students, especially from Class 10, said the incomplete syllabus had left them anxious before their board exams.

“The syllabus of our half-yearly examinations has not yet been completed. The annual board exams are just ahead. The teacher has refused to take our classes multiple times, citing one reason or another. We do not know what to do,” said a student.

Others said they feared poor performance as large portions of the Sanskrit course remained untaught with very little time to revise.

Teacher Refutes Allegations

Meanwhile, sources said that the Sanskrit teacher Gitanjali Sahu denied the allegations. She maintained that she had been performing her teaching duties.

However, the agitating students and parents made it clear that they wanted the teacher removed. They locked the gates to block entry and exit, staging a sit-in until their demand was heard.

Parents said the teacher’s continued presence was affecting the future of hundreds of students, and they would not withdraw until she was replaced. The protest brought academic activities to a halt as no classes could be conducted during the agitation.