Balasore: The hostel of the District School in Balasore is likely to be shut down, and there is growing concern over this matter. Efforts are underway to close the hostel, with even teachers of the school having earlier submitted a written application to the District Education Officer (DEO) signed by them. Members of the School Managing Committee (SMC) have also remained silent regarding the hostel’s operations. As a result, there are fears that this historic hostel may soon cease to exist.
The District School of Balasore is a dream destination for many students across the district. Talented students from various blocks enroll here. To accommodate students from distant areas, a hostel was opened in 1961. Earlier, there used to be fierce competition among students to get a seat in this hostel. With 10 rooms, the hostel was well-equipped for the students’ comfort. More than 40 students once lived here and successfully graduated, many of them later pursuing higher education at reputed institutions and building successful careers.
However, now the hostel has fallen into neglect.
Lack of Support from School Authorities
Previously, there were 40+ boarders, now only 7 remain.
An application was submitted to the DEO requesting closure of the hostel.
Former students oppose the move, blaming the school administration for its negligence.
In the last three years, the number of boarders has drastically reduced. While there were 25 students last year, only 7 remain this year. Various factors are said to have contributed to this decline, particularly financial irregularities, which are being discussed widely. Due to these issues, no one is coming forward to take responsibility for managing the hostel. In fact, even teachers have reportedly favored its closure.
While students admitted to the district school have applied to stay in the hostel, teachers responsible for admissions fail to stay in contact with them, resulting in interested students being denied access to the hostel.
About a year and a half ago, in view of the declining number of boarders, the school’s teachers submitted a signed memorandum to the then District Education Officer (DEO). However, the then DEO opposed the closure and emphasized the importance of keeping the hostel functional.
Now, due to the continued low number of boarders, the matter was brought to the attention of current DEO Prachitanaya Giri, who also opposed the shutdown. As a result, the hostel is still running with a very limited number of students. Presently, no school staff is willing to take responsibility, and Maskaru Akthi is currently in charge.
Some former students have discussed this issue and criticized the school authorities and SMC for their indifference, pointing out that many successful alumni once lived in this hostel. They said the hostel played a crucial role in shaping their future, and its current neglect is deeply unfortunate.
A discussion was held with SMC Chairman Sanjeev Mishra, who expressed dissatisfaction over the declining hostel strength and said there are underlying issues. A school management committee meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, where the matter will be thoroughly discussed.
Acting headmaster Adikanda Raut stated, “We want to keep the hostel running, but no one is ready to take responsibility. Except for 4 or 5 male teachers, most are female teachers, and this responsibility cannot be assigned to them.”