Why is Puintola Upper Primary School Struggling? A Look at the Dire Conditions

Puintola Upper Primary School in Ganjam is facing severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure and insufficient government funding. With only two teachers for 46 students and a lack of basic facilities, the school struggles to provide a conducive learning environment. Parents are increasingly withdrawing their children due to these issues, raising concerns about the future of education in this community. The headmaster and local residents are calling for urgent government intervention to improve the school's conditions and ensure that students receive the education they deserve.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 4, 2026, 09:14 IST

Puintola Upper Primary School Faces Severe Challenges

By ANATHA TARAI, OP

Ganjam: The Puintola Upper Primary School, located at the entrance of Puintola village within the Ganjam Notified Area Council (NAC), has been grappling with poor infrastructure and a lack of administrative support for years. Established in 1994, this block-grant school currently serves 46 students in Classes VI and VII, but only has two teachers on staff.

With just two classrooms, the school is devoid of an office space or a library. There are no secure storage options for important documents, and many windows and doors are damaged. The roof is overrun with weeds, and students are left without basic amenities like tables and chairs, forcing them to sit on the floor during lessons.

The lack of teaching aids for subjects like science and geography has hindered effective learning. Additionally, insufficient fans and lighting create uncomfortable conditions for students, especially during the hot months. Although the school provides uniforms and midday meals, it falls short in many other essential areas, including a playground and sports equipment.

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Concerns have been raised by parents regarding the safety of students who often play near the road. Headmaster Bishnu Charan Pattnaik noted that the school struggles with inadequate government funding due to its status as a block-grant institution, which hampers its ability to repair infrastructure and meet basic needs like notebooks and chalk.

Although the toilet door had been broken for an extended period, it was recently replaced with the help of a local resident. The school once had over 70 students enrolled eight to ten years ago, but enrollment has dwindled to 46 due to a persistent lack of teachers and essential facilities.

Parents are increasingly compelled to transfer their children to other schools because of the inadequate infrastructure and minimal facilities, according to Pattnaik. Anjali Pradhan, the newly appointed president of the school management committee, stated she could not provide further comments as no meetings had been held since she took office.

Assistant Block Education Officer Binati Kumari Mishra confirmed that the school does not receive regular government funding due to its block-grant status. Parent Ramachandra Palai emphasized that the school is currently operating with the support of local residents in the absence of government assistance.

He urged the government to take necessary actions to enhance the infrastructure of this long-standing educational institution and ensure that students have access to basic facilities.