Study Reveals Alarming Infrastructure gaps in Odisha Schools

Bureau,Odishabarta

CSOs urge the government to take immediate intervention to address the critical infrastructure gaps

Bhubaneswar, 29/05/23:Odisha – As many as  75.86% (5421) elementary schools in Odisha do not possess a playground, depriving students of physical activity opportunities. Furthermore, 75.68% (5408) of schools also require a minor or major repairing, undermining the norms and standards stipulated in the RTE Act, revealed a study titled “State of School Infrastructure in Government Elementary Schools in Odisha,” which was conducted by Atmashakti Trust, in collaboration with Odisha Shramajeebee Mancha (OSM) and Mahila Shramajeebee Mancha, Odisha (MSMO). The study encompassed a comprehensive analysis of 7,146 schools from 98 blocks and 1 Urban Local Body (Bhubaneswar) of 17 districts in the state.

The findings of the study are alarming, highlighting a staggering non-compliance with the norms outlined in the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Some of the most concerning findings include:

8.7% (623) of the surveyed schools have no source of drinking water, depriving students of a basic necessity. Out of 6523 schools, where there is a source of drinking water facility, 3.66% (239) of schools suffer from severe structural damage, thus not usable.

73.85% (5,277) of schools do not meet the classroom facilities criteria set by the Right to Education (RTE) Norms.

8.13% (581) of schools lack space for a kitchen, impeding efforts to provide nutritious meals to students. Furthermore, 5.68% (373) schools with kitchen space are fully damaged, exacerbating the situation.

13.42% (959) of schools do not have toilets, while 18.2% (1,301) schools lack separate toilets for boys and girls. Moreover, 3,197 schools have toilets without any water facility, undermining proper sanitation practices. In addition to that, 860 toilets are fully damaged.

32.26% (2,305) of schools do not have an electricity connection, impeding the use of technology and hindering effective teaching methods. Not only that, 51.25% (3662) schools also do not have computer facilities  32.66% (2334) of schools lack a boundary wall, compromising security and safety on school premises.

29.12% (2081) schools do not have a library which is crucial in promoting reading habits, independent learning, and research skills among students.

Not only the school infrastructure, even 55.89% (3,994) of schools surveyed do not have the required number of teachers as per the mandated PTR norms in the RTE Act.

Note for editors

“These findings emphasize the urgent need for intervention and support to bridge the critical infrastructure gaps prevalent in government elementary schools in Odisha. Therefore the government must allocate adequate resources and speed up its implementation to ensure that all children receive quality education in an environment conducive to their holistic growth,” urged Mr. Anjan Pradhan, Convener of OSM.

“The school building, including the kitchen space, is in a dilapidated condition that requires immediate repair. With 40 students crammed into a single room, the situation is dire. We have been informing the Block Education Officer about the urgent need for repairs for years, but sadly, the administration continues to ignore our pleas.” – Ghenu Gulari, President of School Management Committee, Bandakatra Primary School, Koraput district.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact: Naba Kishor Pujari, (9777102043) or email: [email protected].

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