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Why is the Bidyadharpur Government Primary School Struggling Despite Funding?

The Bidyadharpur Government Primary School in Talabasta faces significant challenges despite substantial funding aimed at improving education. With poor infrastructure, including waterlogged grounds and a lack of a boundary wall, safety concerns have arisen, leading to a decline in student enrollment. Local residents and former students have voiced their frustrations over the school's deteriorating conditions, prompting calls for action from local officials. This article delves into the issues plaguing the school and the impact on the community.
By Ambika Singh Sep 9, 2026, 10:31 IST

Challenges Faced by Bidyadharpur Government Primary School


By Subrat Kumar Nayak


Location: Talabasta


Despite significant investments aimed at enhancing primary education in rural regions, the Bidyadharpur Government Primary School in Talabasta panchayat, located in the Damapada block of Kataka district, continues to suffer from inadequate infrastructure. The school grounds are inundated with water for nearly four months each year during the monsoon season.


The absence of a permanent boundary wall has turned the school verandah into a refuge for stray animals, compelling students and staff to clean up animal waste every morning before classes commence.


Local residents have raised concerns about the premises becoming a hangout for alcoholics in the evenings, with reports of drinking and feasting occurring on-site, which poses safety risks. Headmaster Shiva Prasanna Sahu noted that the school was founded on February 15, 1982, and while it once had over 250 students, enrollment has dwindled to just 118 due to ongoing issues.


An Anganwadi center operates within the school grounds. Although classes begin at 10 AM, teachers and staff spend nearly an hour each morning clearing the verandah of cow dung, which disrupts the morning prayer and the first two classes.


Bapi Sarkar, a former student and member of the school management committee, highlighted that the lack of a boundary wall allows stray cattle to enter and soil the area. Parents from nearby villages have repeatedly approached local officials, including the legislator and education officers, but no action has been taken.


Sisir Kumar Das, a former president of the school management committee, mentioned that the school received a grant of Rs 2.50 lakh about 18 months ago, but construction was halted due to a dispute with the contractor. Consequently, the trenches dug for the boundary wall have filled with rainwater and soil, and there are rumors that materials intended for the wall have been repurposed for other projects.


Currently, there are six children in the Anganwadi center and 24 students enrolled in the newly established Shishu Vatika on the premises. Mamali Sahu, a worker at the Shishu Vatika, expressed concerns about the lack of a boundary wall, which requires constant supervision of the children. During rainy days, cooks prepare vegetables for midday meals outdoors due to the absence of a proper kitchen.


Teacher Gagan Kumar Behera suggested that the new school committee should construct a covered area beside the kitchen. Although the school has received over Rs 1 lakh for new toilets, the existing facilities for boys and girls are in a state of disrepair.


Students depend on tubewell water for drinking, but there is no water purification system in place. Parents are increasingly worried about the safety of the school environment, leading them to seek alternative educational options for their children, as noted by former student Akshaya Kumar Behera. Alok Kumar Sahu, a representative of Talabasta’s sarpanch, declined to comment on the situation. Assistant Block Education Officer Prafulla Kumar Behera stated that a new Block Education Officer would be appointed shortly but refrained from providing further details.


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