By Sanjay Kumar Choudhury

Baripada: The State government’s Anwesha scheme, aimed at providing quality English-medium education to tribal students, has come under scrutiny in Mayurbhanj district over alleged poor academic performance, inadequate monitoring and administrative lapses.

Despite an annual expenditure of around Rs 5 crore, nearly 70% of students are reportedly performing poorly. Some are allegedly unable to write their names in English, raising questions about the scheme’s implementation.

According to official data, 2,456 students from Classes I to X are enrolled in 24 private English-medium schools under the scheme. The government spends Rs 91,000 per student annually, including Rs 70,000 on education and Rs 21,000 towards food, accommodation, clothing and other expenses.

The district also has eight Anwesha hostels, where 29 tutors have been appointed at a monthly remuneration of Rs 8,000 each.

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During a recent visit, a departmental Additional Secretary reportedly expressed displeasure after finding that some students could not write their names in English on the blackboard.

Masa Army State president Suklal Marandi alleged collusion between private schools and departmental officials to draw grants without ensuring educational standards. Teachers and other employees have also complained of irregularities.

Additional Collector Dukhabandhu Naik said a detailed assessment would be conducted if poor educational standards were established.