Silent Killer Returns: Malaria Death in Rayagada School Exposes Deep Administrative Lapses
By CB Singh
Rayagada | Nov 5: Fear and outrage have gripped Rayagada district once again as malaria claims the life of a student from a government-run residential school under the ST & SC Development Department. The incident has raised serious questions about the district administration’s vigilance and accountability in safeguarding students residing in tribal hostels.
Initial reports indicate that the student had shown symptoms for several days before receiving medical attention. Locals allege that negligence, poor sanitation, and lack of preventive steps like mosquito control and fumigation have made these schools breeding grounds for malaria. Despite several awareness drives, ground-level implementation continues to falter.
Adding to public anger is the fact that no lessons seem to have been learned from the recent Bilesu residential school tragedy, where student deaths were also reported. Even after public outcry, no disciplinary action was taken against the headteacher or the officials concerned.
What is drawing sharper scrutiny now is the lack of on-site supervision by key officials. Questions are being raised over why the Sadar Welfare Extension Officer (WEO), who holds a crucial role in school inspections and student welfare monitoring, has not visited the affected schools. His prolonged silence in the face of repeated health lapses has become a matter of administrative concern.
Similarly, the District Welfare Officer (DWO) has come under criticism for failing to ensure accountability within the system. According to several parents and social activists, instead of addressing the core issues of sanitation, health care, and student safety, the DWO has repeatedly shifted blame onto tribal communities — a stance seen as both insensitive and irresponsible. Critics say such deflection shows a lack of understanding of her own administrative responsibilities.
While authorities claim that an inquiry has been initiated, the public remains skeptical. Repeated investigations without visible action have led many to believe that such inquiries are more procedural than purposeful.
The recurring malaria deaths in Rayagada’s residential schools have once again exposed a troubling pattern of institutional neglect and administrative apathy, leaving parents fearful and demanding immediate intervention from higher authorities.
