Students appearing exams under school already closed

Keonjhar: Some students are appearing exam under a school that has been closed since 2016. Such allegation has surfaced in the constituency of School and Mass Education minister Badri Narayan Patra.

As per sources, Gothanahakani High School in Anara village under Hatadihi block of Keonjhar district was functional from 1999 to 2016. But surprisingly many students have appeared exams under the school even last year.

After getting to know about the lapses, the school Headmaster and villagers approached the District Education Officer (DEO) and Collector. It was found that the students are appearing exams elsewhere in the name of the school by forging the signature of the Headmaster.

"The school has been shut down but how are students appearing examination. 34 students will appear the exam this year but the school does not even exist. We have locked the school gate," said a villager Banbari Singh Mohapatra.

"Some people are forging the signature of the headmaster and taking Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 from students for making them appear the exam. What will be the future of students if such things happen in a school," said Headmaster of the School, Baidhar Khandei.

The DEO had received such allegations earlier and instructed the District Project Coordinator (DPC) to conduct a probe. The DPC found out that there were no students in the school and mentioned it in a report submitted to the DEO.

However, no action has been taken till date. While the DEO is still silent on it, Collector Ashish Thakre assured to take appropriate action after a probe.

"Some people have come forward with their grievances and an enquiry has been ordered. We will take action after getting the report," said Thakre.