Sonepur, June 26: Despite the government's continued focus on improving school infrastructure, students at a government school in Odisha's Subarnapur district are attending classes in a damaged asbestos-roofed building, raising serious concerns about their safety.
The issue has come to light at Ainlapali Government Upper Primary School under Tarbha block of Subarnapur district, where a severe shortage of classrooms has forced children to study in unsafe conditions.
Students from Bal Vatika to Class V are being accommodated in a single classroom, while some are made to attend classes in the veranda and even in a room used to store mid-day meal rice and school furniture. Teachers and parents say the lack of adequate classrooms is disrupting the learning environment.
The condition of the school building has also become a major concern. The asbestos roof is damaged, and the wooden beams supporting it have been weakened by termite infestation, making the structure unsafe for students and teachers.
The school has around 40 students from Bal Vatika to Class VIII, but only two teachers and very limited classroom space. Due to the shortage of rooms, classes are being conducted simultaneously in the same room, veranda and storage area.
Parents and villagers alleged that they have repeatedly urged the authorities to construct additional classrooms, but no action has been taken so far.
Reacting to the issue, Subarnapur Collector Nrupa Raj Sahu said such conditions are unacceptable in any government school and assured that the matter would be investigated and necessary steps taken at the earliest.
The condition of Ainlapali Government Upper Primary School has once again highlighted the need for improved educational infrastructure in rural areas to ensure students can study in a safe and proper learning environment.
