Why is the Government Primary School in Chaudhurikuda Struggling to Survive?

Challenges Faced by Chaudhurikuda's Government Primary School

Baliapal: The Government Primary School located in Chaudhurikuda, within the Madhupura panchayat of Baliapal block in Baleshwar district, has been facing significant challenges since its establishment in 1962. The institution is grappling with insufficient financial support and poor infrastructure.

Currently, the school has an enrollment of 67 students across Classes I to V. Although a pre-primary section named Sishu Vatika was launched last year, it has not attracted any students due to a lack of teaching staff. The school receives an annual grant of Rs 25,000 from the government through the composite grant scheme.

Unfortunately, there has been no additional funding for infrastructure improvements, resulting in substandard facilities. Parents are hesitant to send their children to this school because of these inadequate conditions. The school comprises three classrooms serving five classes, staffed by only three teachers, including the headmaster.

In the current setup, Class V students occupy one room, while the other two rooms are shared by two classes each. The cramped conditions make it challenging for teachers to differentiate between students from different grades once they are seated. The building, which is 65 years old, is in a state of disrepair, with cement plaster peeling from the ceiling.

During the rainy season, leaks from the roof damage students' books and personal items. Additionally, the school is situated in a flood-prone area, where water can linger on the verandah for extended periods. Parents have raised concerns about the safety of their children in such a deteriorating environment and have called on authorities to rectify the infrastructure issues.

Due to a lack of funds, the school cannot even afford to repaint its walls. Acting headmaster Sushant Kumar Kar mentioned that the annual grant of Rs 25,000 is allocated based on student enrollment and is primarily used for purchasing teaching materials and covering essential costs. The school has only one office room, which also functions as a storeroom.

When assistant teacher Ajay Murmu is away for official duties, assistant teacher Deepali Parida is left to manage all students alone. The desks and benches are in poor condition, and two urinals are also dilapidated. There is only one toilet shared between teachers and students. Although the school has a pump set and a tubewell for drinking water, both are often submerged during floods.

Parents have requested the government to provide a water filter to ensure safe drinking water. With no designated area for serving midday meals, students have to eat on the verandah, and during rain, they are forced to have their meals inside the classrooms. The school also lacks a playground.

Susama Pramanik, president of the school management committee, stated that the school has never received any financial support from local panchayats or public representatives. Villagers are advocating for more teachers, additional classrooms, improved toilet facilities, and access to safe drinking water. Block Education Officer Samarani Sethi assured that the relevant authorities would be notified about the school's issues and that measures would be taken to address them.