Girls’ School In Odisha Plunges Into Darkness Owing To Pending Electricity Bills

Cuttack: In the absence of power supply, students of Thoria Sahi Girls’ High School in Cuttack district are facing hardship while attending their classes for the last nine months.

According to sources, electricity supply to the school was cut on January 15 this year as the authorities allegedly failed to clear the pending power dues of Rs 14,15,159. Due to lack of electricity, the ceiling fans and lights are lying defunct, much to the inconvenience of the students, who don't even have access to drinking water.

The bill amount including the interest surpassed Rs 14 lakh after the school came under the jurisdiction of District Education Officer (DEO) from Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC).

“How could we attend our classes as our school does not have electricity and drinking water facilities. The water we bring from home in bottles is not sufficient as we have to stay here from 9 AM to 4 PM. Besides, we also suffer from various health-related issues,” said Barsha Mohanty, a student.

Echoing similar sentiments, another student P Padmini said, “We regularly come to school. But due to hot climate and defunct ceiling fans, we are unable to concentrate on studies.”

The school authorities said although they brought the issue to the notice of the district collector and DEO, nothing has been done so far to address the issue.

“As the water motor is not working due to lack of electricity, children are unable to get drinking water. Students are forced to carry water from tube well to use it in the toilet. Due to hot weather and sans electricity, many children are also remaining absent from school,” said headmistress Bishnupriya Das.

On the other hand, District Collector Bhawani Shankar Chayani assured to resolved the issue soon.

“I will ask the DEO to inquire into the matter and resolve the issues at the earliest,” said Chayani.