Why Are Students Leaving Khandual Government School? A Look at the Challenges

Khandual Government Upgraded High School in Sambalpur is grappling with a significant drop in student enrollment, attributed to poor infrastructure and a lack of teachers. Established over a century ago, the school has seen its student body shrink from over 350 to just 195. With classrooms in disrepair and insufficient teaching staff, the educational experience is suffering. Despite recent renovations, fundamental issues remain unresolved. Local officials are being urged to take action to improve conditions and support the students. What will happen next for this historic institution?

By Ambika Singh Sep 8, 2026, 11:08 IST

Declining Enrollment at Khandual Government Upgraded High School

By Pramod Kumar Bohidar

Sambalpur: Khandual Government Upgraded High School, which has been serving the community for 112 years, is facing a significant decline in student enrollment due to inadequate infrastructure and a lack of teaching staff.

Originally established as a primary school in 1914, it was elevated to upper primary status in 1976 and became a high school in 2008. Currently, the school accommodates 195 students from Sishu Vatika to Class X.

Students hail from over eight surrounding villages, including Maneswar, Khandual, Mathapali, Naksapali, Gunderpur, Bargaon, and Chhatabar. However, the deteriorating facilities are driving students away.

Once boasting an enrollment of over 350, the school has seen a steady decline. Four out of eight classrooms, along with the teachers' common room, are in unsafe condition.

Classes for Sishu Vatika and Grades I and II are combined in one room, while Grades IV and V share another. Only Grades VI to X have separate classrooms. The teacher shortage is alarming, with just two educators available for 77 primary students, severely impacting foundational education. Although the school has a computer room with ten desktops, there is no designated computer teacher.

Additionally, students lack access to vocational and physical education instructors. The absence of a playground and auditorium further hampers the educational experience. In 2022, the school underwent renovations under the 5T Initiative, costing approximately Rs 55 lakh.

This project introduced two smart classrooms, a science lab, an e-library, computers, and toilets. Despite these enhancements, fundamental infrastructure and staffing issues persist. Some students expressed concerns about the insufficient number of classrooms and the lack of repairs, making class attendance challenging.

During the rainy season, leaks from the asbestos roofs damage books and disrupt lessons. Chandrakanta Dash, chairperson of the school management committee, highlighted that the teacher shortage and poor classroom conditions are detrimental to education. She noted that complaints have been lodged with officials from the Block Development Officer (BDO) to the District Education Officer (DEO), but no action has been taken.

She urged for immediate repairs to the existing infrastructure and the hiring of additional teachers. Headmaster Kulamani Das stated that the school has repeatedly communicated the need for new classrooms, a playground, and more teachers to the BDO, DEO, and other senior officials, yet the issues remain unresolved.

DEO Lakshman Bhoi assured that infrastructure development and repairs would commence soon. Following the Collector's directive, a senior technical consultant will assess the school, after which necessary improvements will be funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or other government resources.

Bhoi mentioned that no separate position for a computer teacher has been approved, so current teachers have been trained to handle computer education. Maneswar BEO Lokita Dash indicated that she had not received any formal complaints regarding the school's condition.

She stated that infrastructure development is the responsibility of the school management committee, and any written proposals or complaints would be forwarded to the District Project Coordinator and district Collector for necessary action.