8 yrs on, Champua KV fate still hangs in balance

Saturday, 29 April 2023 | RAJENDRA K SAHU | KEONJHAR

8 yrs on, Champua KV fate still hangs in balance

Saturday, 29 April 2023 | RAJENDRA K SAHU | KEONJHAR

The building of the ChampuaKendriyaVidyalaya (KV) could not be ready yet although the project has been sanctioned by the Central Government since 2016-17.

If sources are to be believed, it is former MP Shakuntala Laguri due to whose personal initiative the then HRD Minister SmritiIrani had sanctioned two KVs for Keonjhar district, one at Champua Sub- Division and the other at Anandapur Subdivision in the same year. Students are already reading in the Anandapur KV for the last 3 years but the fate of the KV at Champua has been hanging in the balance.

Originally, the KV was approved by the CBSE to construct the building at Ramla village coming under Ward No. 11 and 12 of Champua NAC but later on, when it was found that the local administration had allotted wrong kisam land, the project was shifted to Kalikaprasad village situated at a distance of 9 km from Champua NAC by the side of the State Highway. Change in site was strongly opposed by the residents of Champua NAC.

It was argued by the local people of Champua NAC that it would be of of less distance and easier for the guardians to send their wards to the school if it was established in Champua. On the other hand, the plea of Kalikaprasad villagers is that if the KV was situated in the middle point, it would be convenient for all.

During this time, a Champuabandh had been observed and writ petitions had been filed in the Orissa High Court against the change of the site. On January 3, 2022, the HC had directed the administration to construct the building within the area of Champua and resolve the issue amicably. Accordingly, alternative sites were selected and a report was sent to the State Government for a final decision which is pending till date.

Locals alleged that it is the duty of the local MLA and MP to see to it that the project is implemented properly. But BJD MP ChandrayaniMurmu and BJD MLA MeenakshiMahanta are busy in their own works and are not giving any thought to the completion of the project. The locals demanded that CM Naveen Patnaik, the 5T Secretary and the Chief Secretary look into the matter.