What Challenges Does Sundaragada's Historic School Face in Providing Basic Facilities?

The PM-Shri Bhawani Shankar Government High School in Sundaragada, established in 1907, is facing significant infrastructure challenges, including a lack of adequate hostel facilities. With boys currently residing in old classrooms, the school struggles to accommodate its 805 students. Despite receiving government funding for improvements, the funds remain unspent. Alumni and parents are urging the government to address these issues and establish a recognized boys' hostel to preserve the school's legacy and support students from remote areas. Discover the full story behind this historic institution's plight.

By Ambika Singh Sep 27, 2026, 09:33 IST

Infrastructure Woes at PM-Shri Bhawani Shankar Government High School

By Jayanarayan Menduli

Sundaragada: The PM-Shri Bhawani Shankar Government High School, established in 1907, stands as one of the oldest educational institutions in Sundaragada. However, it is currently grappling with significant infrastructure deficits, including inadequate hostel facilities, forcing boys to reside in outdated classrooms.

Originally founded as the district's first government Middle English school, it was later elevated to high school status. Over the years, the school has produced numerous notable alumni, such as IAS officers Prafulla Kumar Das and Shishir Kumar Naik, IRS officer Santosh Amat, and international hockey star Dr. Dilip Tirkey.

After merging with Rani Janaki Girls’ High School and Town Government Primary School, the institution now accommodates 805 students from Shishu Vatika to Class X, supported by 38 teachers. Despite its esteemed history, the school faces ongoing infrastructure challenges, including the absence of a permanent headmaster since May 31, 2025. Parents have expressed concerns regarding insufficient drinking water and toilet facilities, alongside the pressing need for a government hostel for boys.

Previously, the school had a dedicated boys’ hostel, which was shut down in 2009-10 due to dwindling student numbers. The building is now utilized for Samagra Shiksha and Rotary Club offices. Although interest in admissions has surged, a new government hostel has yet to be established, leading boys from remote areas to stay in repurposed classrooms.

Currently, around 150 beds provided by the District Mineral Foundation are in use, managed by the students themselves, according to headmistress Anita Das. She noted that many students from tribal backgrounds are eager to enroll, but the lack of hostel facilities often drives them to seek education elsewhere.

The school has received government funding for infrastructure improvements, totaling Rs 70 lakh over the past five years, yet these funds remain unutilized. Alumni member Benumadhab Tripathy has called on the government to prioritize basic facilities and establish a recognized boys’ hostel to maintain the school's legacy. District Education Officer Muralidhar Behera assured that necessary actions would be taken soon, while local parents emphasized that a government hostel would facilitate greater access for students from distant regions.