Crisis at Tumuni Government Primary School: Students Struggle with Poor Infrastructure

Severe Infrastructure Issues at Tumuni School

Bantala: The students attending the Government Primary School in Tumuni, located in the Badakera panchayat of Anugola block, are grappling with significant challenges due to inadequate facilities. The school suffers from a lack of classrooms, insufficient drinking water, and the absence of a boundary wall.

The situation has deteriorated to the point where students are forced to hold classes in a storeroom, as the classrooms are prone to leaks during rainy weather. Established over two decades ago, the school has only two classrooms serving six grades, from Sishu Vatika to Class V.

Both classrooms are in a state of disrepair, with leaks disrupting lessons during rainfall. Consequently, students often have to study in the storeroom. Additionally, the school does not provide adequate drinking water.

While a hand pump is available on-site, it is frequently out of order. The toilet facilities are also inadequate, with a motor pump supplying water that is neither clean nor sufficient, necessitating repairs to the tube well. The lack of a boundary wall raises safety concerns for the children.

Despite these ongoing issues, no substantial measures have been taken to enhance the school's infrastructure. As a result, many parents are opting to transfer their children to private institutions. Enrollment has dropped from 79 students in the 2023-24 academic year to just 62 this year. Three teachers are currently responsible for the students, but the poor infrastructure hampers effective teaching.

Parents have called on authorities to address the urgent need for classroom repairs, hand pump restoration, and the construction of a boundary wall to create a safer learning environment.

The condition of the toilets is equally concerning. Although a new toilet block is under construction, the project remains unfinished, forcing students to relieve themselves outdoors. The school is adjacent to the Matilia nullah, which poses a constant safety risk.

Teachers must remain vigilant during lunch and breaks to prevent students from approaching the nullah. Concerns have heightened following a recent incident where a man died after becoming trapped in a hume pipe in the nullah. Despite repeated requests for action, no effective solutions have been implemented.

As a result, student enrollment continues to decline, according to Lambodar Khuntia, the president of the school management committee. The headmistress has reported these issues to BEO Ashok Kumar Pradhan, who stated that senior officials have been made aware of the leaking roofs and other infrastructure problems. He assured that measures would be taken soon to address these concerns.