230 students have no access to toilet

Brahmapur: Over 230 students of Lathi Upper Primary School under Kukudakhandi block are being forced to study without a functional toilet, while their classrooms remain in a dangerous condition, exposing the glaring gaps in basic school infrastructure.

The school, established in 1946 and granted full government status in 1993, currently has students from Classes VI to VIII. Despite having 230 students, the institution has no usable toilet facility. The old toilet has reportedly become unusable due to its dilapidated condition and the presence of snakes and frogs. As a result, students, including girls, are forced to depend on the open surroundings to relieve themselves.

Adding to their woes, the classrooms are in a precarious state. The old buildings have developed cracks in the walls and roofs, while rainwater reportedly leaks into the classrooms during monsoon. The condition has raised serious concerns over the safety of both students and teachers.

The school has only four teachers for the 230 students, while two others are currently on deputation elsewhere. Teachers are also assigned various government duties, further affecting regular academic activities. Villagers said they have repeatedly brought the problems to the notice of the sarpanch, block authorities and Education department officials, but no effective action has been taken so far. Parents and villagers have urged Ganjam district administration and State government to provide functional toilets and replace or repair the unsafe classrooms on an urgent basis, before any untoward incident occurs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sunil Mohan Patnaik

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