What’s Happening at Gurujang High School? Students Face Severe Sanitation Issues!
Sanitation Crisis at Gurujang High School
By Prabhata Kumar Panigrahi
Khordha: Students at Government High School in Gurujang are facing significant challenges due to poor sanitation and insufficient infrastructure, despite the State Government investing substantial funds to enhance educational facilities.
Founded in 1969, the school accommodates 724 students ranging from Shishu Vatika to Class X. The enrollment includes eight in Shishu Vatika, 215 in primary classes (Class I to V), 244 in upper primary (Class VI to VIII), and 257 in secondary classes (Class IX and X).
The boys' toilet is in disrepair, compelling students to relieve themselves outdoors or on the school grounds. Some students have reported that they avoid eating the midday meal due to concerns about needing to go outside.
For girls, there is only one toilet, which frequently suffers from water shortages. Additionally, some female students have claimed that the toilets are not cleaned adequately. The school has two water purifiers for drinking, but the building shows signs of neglect, with cracks in the walls and weeds overtaking the windows.
The overgrown vegetation surrounding the school gives it the appearance of a dense forest, raising fears about wild animals and reptiles. Furthermore, the school is short-staffed, lacking both teachers and Class IV employees.
While the school requires three Class IV employees based on its student population, only one is currently available. When this employee is absent, teachers must take on additional responsibilities, such as ringing the school bell. There are also two vacant teaching positions at both the primary and secondary levels.
Due to a lack of classrooms, approximately 70 to 80 students are forced to share a single room. The School Management Committee has appealed to authorities for more classrooms to create a better learning environment. A concerned parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed that the school fails to provide a safe and healthy academic atmosphere.
“With around 800 students from Shishu Vatika to Class X, their safety and health are not being prioritized,” the parent stated. Headmaster Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, who recently transferred to the school, mentioned that efforts are being made to enhance the academic environment and maintain cleanliness, emphasizing that student health is a top priority.
Gautam Pattajoshi, the newly appointed president of the School Management Committee, has initiated efforts to improve the school's environment. The first step involves clearing the excess vegetation on the premises.
Following this, the committee plans to tackle the sanitation and toilet issues faced by students. A letter will be sent to Khordha Municipality requesting assistance with these sanitation challenges. Pattajoshi also noted the need for additional classrooms, which will be communicated to the district administration and education department.
Khordha Collector Amrit Ruturaj has instructed the District Education Officer to take necessary actions to ensure that all government schools in the district have clean and functional toilets for students.