Derabish, 10th Oct 2025: Following the transfer of Derabish BEO (Block Education Officer) Srikant Behera, the education department in the block remains leaderless, sparking concerns. Although the state government had announced the distribution of school uniforms to students, nearly three months have passed since the academic year began, and students have yet to receive them.
Last year, uniforms were distributed at the end of the academic session, but this year, students were deprived of wearing new uniforms during important occasions like various festivals and Independence Day. In the previous year, the distribution was managed through Self Help Groups (SHGs). The government had directed a similar process this year as well.
Accordingly, SHGs from various blocks had applied to handle the uniform distribution work in schools. In Derabish block, around 65 women SHGs applied. However, only 21 SHGs have reportedly been selected—allegedly due to interference from middlemen.
Many SHGs that successfully distributed uniforms last year and applied again were overlooked this time. Allegations have emerged that certain education department officials and Mission Shakti personnel have sided with specific groups, favoring them through unofficial channels for personal gain in collaboration with middlemen.
Even though three months have passed since SHGs submitted their applications, schools are still uncertain about which SHG will supply uniforms, leading to significant delays. This has caused widespread irregularities in Derabish block of Kendrapara district.
Despite the presence of around 17 clusters in the block, 65 SHGs had applied. A block-level committee was formed to verify documents submitted by the SHGs. However, complaints suggest that under pressure from certain groups, some SHGs were unfairly excluded.
The government had ordered that uniforms be distributed by August, but due to negligence by education department officials, students have remained deprived. As a result, many are still attending school in old or worn-out clothes.
If a proper investigation is conducted into the partiality in assigning SHGs for uniform work, the truth will come to light, several groups claim.
Additionally, there are reports that some garment traders are collaborating with SHGs, operating on a 30:70 profit-sharing basis. In reality, no SHG in the block is making the uniforms themselves. Instead, they procure the uniforms from local garment traders and only act as intermediaries.
Some SHG members, under the condition of anonymity, revealed that photos were staged with women posing in tailoring units, even though the actual work was done elsewhere. The women were used only for the sake of documentation.
Summary:
This report uncovers alleged corruption and favoritism in the selection process of SHGs for uniform distribution in Derabish block, resulting in students being deprived of timely access to school uniforms. It raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of both the education department and Mission Shakti staff, while exposing the exploitation of SHGs by vested interests.
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