Lack of local school forcing children to drop out in Odisha's Nabarangpur

The absence of a high school forces many young students into arduous daily journeys in Bhalukanadi panchayat under the Jharigaon block of Nabarangpur district. Without access to educational facilities beyond the eighth standard within their locality, the students have no choice but to make lengthy commutes to neighbouring areas for their schooling.

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These children travel between six to seven kilometres each day, often overcoming the extra challenge of crossing rivers to attend schools in nearby panchayats. The taxing nature of these commutes has led some students to discontinue their education midway.

According to sources, Bhalukanadi panchayat itself is limited to just two primary schools offering classes from one to five, and two upper primary schools that offer up to class eight. Over 50 students from this panchayat venture outside their community each year in pursuit of higher education, enduring numerous adversities in the process.

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“I pursued my studies up to Class 8 at Bhalukanadi and had to move out of the village thereafter. I used to cross a river on the route through which I come to my school. I, along with six-seven other students, go to the school every day but face utter difficulties,” a local student Shreesant Gouda said.

Local residents have consistently appealed to the authorities and government officials to establish a high school within Bhulukanadi. Despite frequent requests, no tangible steps have been taken to address this significant educational need.