Unsafe Schools: OTV ground report from Cuttack and Puri

Cuttack: Despite tall claims of Odisha government for the development of education infrastructure, students in several parts are forced to study in unsafe buildings.

From broken asbestos roofs to leaking walls and damaged doors, the students of a primary school in Nischintakoili block of Cuttack district are yet to feel the right ambience of a classroom.

Though there are six rooms in the school, four are in dilapidated condition while classes for students are conducted in only two rooms.

“We face a lot of problems here as the walls are damaged. When it rains, water enters inside the classroom. Also, our teacher finds it difficult to teach us,” said Santosh Kumar Rout, a student.

Sushma Samal, a teacher of the school said, “There is no compound wall, no proper road to the school. A major portion of the school building is damaged. Despite repeated reminders, nothing has been done to resolve such issues.”

Acknowledging the issue, Block Education Officer assured that the issue will brought before the Panchayat and the administration for necessary corrective measures.

“We are well aware of the situation at the school and already we have informed our higher officials and soon we will inform the panchayat as well,” said Block Education Officer of Nischintakoili, Manoranjan Barik.

Apart from Nischintakoili, the students of Maa Batulei high school in Astarang block of Puri are risking their lives to get formal education. After the school's building was damaged in the 1999 super cyclone, it now operates from the cyclone shelter. However, the cyclone shelter is also crying for urgent attention owing to lack of adequate maintenance and repairs of the building.

“We are studying under constant fear that this building might collapse,” said Chinmayi Sahu, a student of Maa Batulei high school.