Khaira: In order to preserve the glory of Sanskrit approximately 31 years ago the Duradei Sanskrit School was established at Parusottampur village of Dagarpada panchayat under this block in Balasore district. However, since inception, the school has run into a gamut of problems.
The institution, set up in 1988, currently has 119 students from Class VI to Class IX. All of them are tribals from Mayurbhanj district.
However, the word ‘school’ is a misnomer for the institution. It is running in a thatched house comprising three rooms with an asbestos roof. The classes are conducted in two of the room while the third functions as a kitchen. The two classrooms become bedrooms at night with the benches and tables doubling as sleeping cots.
Locals informed that controversy has plagued the school since inception. First it came up on a patch of land which had legal implications. Then it was shifted to a different place from where it is presently functioning.
Lack of proper infrastructure has also been a huge hindrance. The institution is not connected with a fair-weather road. It is impossible for any vehicle to reach the school. During the rainy season, students use the narrow bund across farmlands to reach nearby areas or market.
Braja Jaraka, a Class X student, alleged that there is no protection from rain. He said that in the rainy season, the floor gets damp. There are also several holes on the floor and at times poisonous snakes are also found slithering inside their classrooms.
Another Class IX student Gede Hemram complained about the quality of food provided. “The standard of food served is very bad. It must should be improved,” he said.
The condition of the dilapidated toilet completes the picture. It is just surrounded with a polythene sheet. The Central Government’s much hyped ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ scheme fades into oblivion in front of the school toilet.
Local residents alleged the administration has never strived to get a proper infrastructure for the school which received recognition from the State Government in 1992.
An amount of, Rs 1,00,000 has been sanctioned by the 14th Finance Commission through the local panchayat for construction of a boundary wall. However, work for it is yet to start.
When contacted, headmaster Harischandra Shankhua said fund has been sanctioned for development of infrastructure. Once the rainy season is over, work on the construction of the new building will start and after completion, the students will be shifted.
PNN