Indus Valley Times

By Addanki Iswar R.

Malkangiri,7 September,2023:- In a dramatic demonstration of frustration over the chronic shortage of teachers, residents and parents in the Udupa Gram Panchayat area of Malkangiri Block, Odisha, took the extraordinary step of locking the gates of the Udupa Residential School. The move comes after repeated complaints to local authorities went unanswered, leaving approximately 400 tribal students in a state of educational neglect.

For months, parents and villagers have sounded the alarm regarding the dire shortage of teachers in the residential high school. Their pleas were sent in written complaints to the District Welfare Officer, the Local Block Development Officer of Malkangiri, and even the District Collector. However, despite the urgency of the situation, no meaningful action was taken by the administration.

Frustrated by the lack of response, villagers and concerned parents took matters into their own hands today, locking the school’s gate and staging a protest in front of the entrance. The situation escalated as District Welfare Officer Prafulla Kumar Bhujbal arrived at the scene to address the grievances of the Udupa residents.

In response to the mounting pressure, Officer Bhujbal announced immediate disciplinary measures. He revealed that one teacher would be suspended with immediate effect, and two more teachers would face suspension from their positions at the Udupa Residential School pending a thorough investigation into their roles in this educational crisis.

The protest and subsequent discussion were attended by School President Devendra Naik, local association member Sukanti Buruda, and a gathering of parents and concerned villagers. Their determination to secure a proper education for their children was evident in their passionate appeals for urgent action.

The villagers hope that their actions will finally prompt the authorities to address the pressing issue of teacher shortages in their school, ensuring a brighter future for the students of Udupa GP.