Crumbling school, leaky hostel roofs, Bonda students denied fair chance

Malkangiri: When the asbestos roof of their school collapsed, the students of Mudulipada in Bondaghat of Malkangiri district started having their classes at the school hostel.

But with dripping roofs, leaky walls and water seeping in through the floor, their dingy wet hostel is no better.

Despite tall claims by the State government on having done much for the primitive tribes in this part of the state, little seems to have been executed on ground.

“The dilapidated condition of the school is enough proof of neglect. Why would parents send their children to such class rooms if there are no basic facilities,” questioned a local.

“The asbestos of our school building got damaged during a Nor'wester in May and is yet to be repaired by the district administration. Therefore, classes are being held at the school hostel. Water dribbles into the hostel rooms too and we face difficulties to study,” says Naresh Kirsani, student.

“Water gets clogged in the hostel room due to which we have to sit on cots,”Somanath Muduli, another student said.

Though the higher-ups in theeducation department have been informed, no steps have been taken yet to rebuild the three class rooms damaged during the Nor'wester.

“Apart from leaking classroom, we face difficulties in getting water as the only tubewell on the school premises is defunct. The authorities concerned have been informed, but no action has been taken yet,” said Siba Prasad Nayak, a teacher of the school.

On the other hand, Malkangiri sub collector, Lingaraj Panda said repair work of the school will be carried out soon.

“Funds have been already sanctioned under the Biju KBK Yojanaor repair work of the Mudulipada School and its hostel. The concerned department has been sent a proposal for approval,” added Panda.