Kotpad, 24th Sept 2025: In Kotpad block of Koraput district, while crores of rupees are being allocated for upgradation and digitalization of government upgraded high schools in each panchayat, the condition of primary schools remains dire and neglected.
Despite funds being sanctioned, many classrooms in rural schools are leaking water from the roofs, and walls are cracked. Teachers are often forced to combine two classes into one or conduct lessons in the verandah due to the poor state of classrooms.
The kitchens in the schools are also in deplorable condition, and in some cases, students are seen eating their mid-day meals sitting in corridors or verandahs due to lack of space and facilities.
Lack of Teachers and Leadership in Schools
In many schools, teacher shortages persist, and headmaster posts remain vacant. Even though the education department is aware of the situation, no effective action has been taken so far, according to allegations.
Not just schools, even the cluster education coordinator (CEC) offices in urban areas are in poor condition. Their office roofs leak, moss and fungus have grown, and wild plants have sprouted all around, with water seeping from the walls.
Despite daily attendance and routine work being carried out by employees, the infrastructure remains unchanged.
Funds Spent, But No Visible Improvement
Even though lakhs of rupees are being invested in the name of school development by panchayats, the condition remains unchanged and stuck in its previous neglected state.
There is now a growing demand for the district administration to take this issue seriously, inspect the conditions firsthand, and ensure proper utilization of the funds to improve the basic infrastructure and education environment in these rural schools.