Dhenkanal, June 25: Even six days after schools reopened following the summer vacation, Ananteswari Upper Primary School at Baniapada under Gondia block in Dhenkanal district remains locked due to the absence of teachers, disrupting the education of 47 students.
While academic activities have resumed across schools in the district since June 18, students of the government-aided school are yet to attend a single class. The lone teacher posted at the institution, Lalit Kishore Panda, retired on May 30. However, no replacement has been appointed so far, leaving the school completely teacherless.
The school caters to students of Classes VI and VII, with children from nearby Dandeibereni and Baniapada primary schools depending on it for their upper primary education. Every day since the reopening, students have been arriving at the school only to find its gates locked and return home without attending classes.
The situation has sparked resentment among parents and villagers, who fear that the prolonged closure will adversely affect the academic future of the students. Parents alleged that while children in neighbouring schools have resumed studies, their wards continue to remain deprived of education due to administrative inaction.
A village meeting has been convened over the issue, and residents have decided to bring the matter to the notice of the Block Education Officer. There are also reports that the school may be merged with the nearby Baniapada Primary School, though no official confirmation has been received.
Former Gondia Block Chairman Malay Singh said discussions would be held with the authorities to resolve the issue. Villagers have demanded immediate appointment of teachers and restoration of academic activities, warning of agitation if prompt action is not taken.
Reacting to the matter, District Education Officer Paresh Chandra Patra said the issue had not yet been brought to his notice by the Block Education Officer. Describing it as a sensitive matter, he assured that necessary steps would be taken at the earliest to address the problem.
