Udala: In an unusual form of protest, villagers in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district walked nine kilometres to demand the transformation of Mahulapankha Primary School into a Godabarish Mishra School.

Members of the School Management Committee (SMC), along with local residents, marched from Gandhi Chhak in Kaptipada to the Sub-Collector’s office in Udala on Monday to press for their demand.

The protest was organised against the reported change in the selection of schools for the transformation initiative. The villagers alleged that Mahulapankha Primary School was initially supposed to be upgraded under the Godabarish Mishra School transformation programme. However, the proposal was subsequently changed, with Majhigadia Upper Primary School being selected for the initiative instead.

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Opposing the decision, the villagers have demanded that the administration reconsider its choice and ensure that Mahulapankha Primary School receives the proposed transformation.

Villagers Oppose Change In School Selection

The School Management Committee and villagers joined hands to raise their concerns over the change in the proposed school selection. They undertook the nine-kilometre march to draw the administration’s attention to their demand and seek intervention from the authorities.

The protesters maintained that Mahulapankha Primary School should be considered for transformation as originally proposed. Their march to the Sub-Collector’s office was aimed at ensuring that their grievance reached the concerned officials.

Warning Of Civil Disobedience Movement

The villagers have warned that they will intensify their agitation if the administration fails to address their demand. They said they would resort to a civil disobedience movement if no action is taken despite their latest protest.

The administration’s response to the villagers’ demand was not immediately known. The protest has brought the dispute over the selection of the school for transformation to the fore, with residents seeking the fulfilment of their demand through administrative intervention.