TV
In a shocking incident, students of Dugudha Nodal Upper Primary School under Udala block in Mayurbhanj district were seen sitting under a roadside tree with their books after the school gate was locked by the protesting parents.
As per reports, the protest was sparked by the transfer of a teacher identified as Deepika Kar. The development angered the villagers and the guardians. The school, which has 264 students from Class I to Class VIII, originally had eight teachers. However, one teacher had already been transferred earlier without a replacement. With the recent transfer of another teacher, parents and locals expressed strong opposition by locking the school premises.
As a result, children were forced to sit outside the school, under a tree by the roadside, holding their school bags.
Upon receiving the information, Udala Block Education Officer (BEO) rushed to the spot and attempted to pacify the agitated villagers. However, he too faced a heated confrontation from the crowd.
The BEO later assured that another teacher would be appointed to fill the position left vacant due to the recent transfer.
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"Earlier, we had eight teachers in our school. However, we have only four teachers now. As a result, we are facing lots of problems in our study as regular classes are not being held due to a smaller number of teachers. The teachers are trying to adjust, and our study is getting hampered," rued Sushree Mahakuda, a student.
"Another teacher is joining in place of the transferred teacher. However, they (the guardians) were not aware of it. Besides, the parents are demanding another teacher. We are discussing the issue. If it falls under the government criteria, we will try to fulfil it. We are trying to pacify the people. Things will be done as per the government provision," said Udala BEO Deepak Mishra.
