Students cover 4 km for mid-day meal in Odisha 

The students of Atharabatia Upper Primary School in Kendrapara’s Pattamundai block walk four kilometers every day to have their mid-day meals. 

Walking four kilometers daily has become a part of the routine of the students of Atharabatia Upper Primary School. 

Investigation revealed that their school has a new building. However, the contractor who carried out the construction work is yet to get the payment due to the alleged substandard work. So he has locked up the building. Due to a lack of classrooms, the students of Class VI, VII and VIII go to Bajra Mahakali High School, which is two kilometers away from their school. At lunchtime, they come to their own school, have food and return. 

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It not only eats up their study time but also makes them tired. And walking four kilometers daily is not free from risks either. 

“We are the students of Atharabatia Upper Primary School. Since our school building is in a dilapidated state, we are coming to Bajra Mahakali High School. At lunchtime, we go to our school and after having our food, we return. We put our lives at risk as there is fear of accidents and lightning. If something bad happens to us, will our families be compensated,” said Prajnasmita Sethi, a student of Atharabatia Upper Primary School.

“I am in charge of three classes-Class VI, VII and VIII. They come to Bajra Mahakali School in the morning and at lunchtime, they again walk to Atharabatia Upper Primary School, covering a distance of two kilometers to have mid-day meal. During rainy days, there is always a risk of lightning,” said Bhaktimayee Das Mohapatra, headmistress of Atharabatia Primary School.

When contacted, Pattamundai BDO Subhranshu Sahu said, “The construction of an additional building of Atharabatia Upper Primary School is near completion. The payment will be made in a day or two. Then the contractor will hand over the key to the school and the sufferings of the students will come to an end.”