Is Kenadhipa Upgraded High School in Sambalpur District Failing Its Students?

Kenadhipa Upgraded High School in Sambalpur district faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of teachers. Established in 1969, the school struggles to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for its 324 students. With only seven classrooms available for 13 classes, students often share spaces, and many face uncomfortable conditions due to damaged facilities. Despite assurances from education officials about future improvements, the current state raises serious concerns about the quality of education being delivered. This article delves into the pressing issues affecting the school and the students' learning experience.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 23, 2026, 09:56 IST

Challenges Faced by Kenadhipa Upgraded High School

By Rabindra Prasad Dani

Jamankira: Despite promises of educational advancement and school improvements, the reality at Kenadhipa Upgraded High School in the Jamankira block of Sambalpur district tells a different story.

Founded in 1969, this institution grapples with insufficient infrastructure and a lack of teaching staff. Efforts made under the 5T school transformation initiative have not sufficiently resolved critical issues such as inadequate classrooms and the absence of basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation facilities.

Students are compelled to learn in classrooms with damaged ceilings, and there are no teachers available for the primary grades. Currently, 324 students from Class I to XII are enrolled across 13 classes, with 77 residing in the school hostel.

The school requires at least 13 distinct classrooms, yet only seven are available, forcing students from different grades to share spaces. This situation worsens in the summer months when the low tin roofs make classrooms uncomfortably hot for both students and teachers.

During the rainy season, leaks in the classrooms lead to damp walls and damage. Some ceilings have collapsed, and many are in precarious condition, posing a significant risk to student safety.

Official records indicate that 17 teachers, including the headmaster, are assigned to the school. However, there are no teachers for Classes I to V, which are crucial for foundational education. Additionally, only two female teachers are available for Classes VI to VIII.

Due to the lack of classrooms and teachers, younger students must sit on mats on the floor, facing challenging learning conditions. The school's facilities are also in disrepair; the girls' toilet door is broken, rendering it unusable due to unsanitary conditions.

Moreover, students experience a severe shortage of drinking water. The kitchen, intended to serve a large student body, is in poor hygiene, complicating the preparation of midday meals. The protective wall surrounding the school is damaged, increasing the risk of disturbances from anti-social elements.

The school grounds are cluttered with garbage. Balaram Majhi, the president of the school management committee, and vice-president Annapurna Bhatt have voiced their concerns regarding the school's state. They reported that both the Block Education Officer (BEO) and District Education Officer (DEO) have been informed about these issues multiple times, yet no action has been taken.

Headmaster Subhranshu Panda has also expressed worries that these challenges are hindering students' education. When approached, Jamankira Assistant Block Education Officer (ABEO) Debaki Naik and Sambalpur DEO Laxman Kumar Bhoi acknowledged the school's issues.

They assured that all infrastructure-related concerns, including the construction of additional classrooms and repairs to toilets, would be addressed soon under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM G) scheme. They also mentioned that efforts would be made to fill the vacant teaching positions.