The Central and State Governments are providing a huge amount of funds for the development of education, but the result has turned out to be pathetic in Sundargarh district, as there is no electricity connection in 1,946 primary and upper primary schools and students are taking lessons without light and fan.
According to sources, a total of 2,401 Government primary and upper primary schools are available in Sundargarh district but in 1,946 schools, there is no electricity connection.
In 17 blocks and four urban local bodies in Sundargarh district, there are 185 primary and upper primary schools in Gurundia block of district wherein only in 29 schools have electricity connection and in the rest 156 schools, there is no electricity connection.
Similarly, there is no electricity connection in 141 schools in Balaishankara block, in 113 schools in Bargaon block, in 13 schools in Birmitrapur Munciipality area, in 69 schools in Bisra block, in 83 schools in Bonei block , in 131 schools in Hemgiri block, in 144 schools in Koira block, in 101 schools in Kuanrmunda block, in 81 schools in Kutra block, in 145 schools in lahunipada block, in 116 schools in lathikata block, in 109 schools in lepripada block, in 112 schools in Nuagaon block, in 92 schools in Rajgangpur block, in 13 schools in Rajgangpur Muncipality area, in 56 schools in Rourkela Muncipality area, in 90 schools in Sabdega block area, in 76 schools in Sadar block, in 54 schools in Tangarpalli block and in 90 schools in Sundargarh municipality area.
Since electricity connection is not available in these schools in the district, students have been studying without light and fan. The school authorities have not given any attention to the hardships of the students.
Significantly, Sarba Sikha Abhiyan (SSA) started in Sundargarh district in the year 2002, but after 14 long years, the authorities have failed to ensure electricity provision in a large number of schools.
“I will definitely look into it and will see that electricity connection be provided in these schools at the earliest,” said DEO DC Behera.