Intensifying demand for a second Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) in Baleswar, Balasore Development Forum,(BDF) has embarked on an indefinite hunger strike in front of the district Collectorate on Wednesday.
The agitators, besides demanding opening of a second KV, also demanded a notification for admission from the current academic session in the new KV.
Many social activists and people across various walks of life also joined the agitators.
“There is a massive demand for KV education in Baleswar. One KV is just inadequate to cater to the requirement and demand in view of presence of a large number of Defence and Central Government units,” said BDF president Bikram Panda.
“The demand while has been made from various quarters for last 10 years, yet nothing is achieved even after assurances,” he lamented. District Collector Pramod Das said things are expedited and most likely it would be materialized soon.
“Although we had given advance possession of a patch of land of around 10 acres, identifying and ratifying the suitability by the KV authorities under Remuna block, yet the KV authorities wanted lease deed in favour of them. After following the procedure, the file has already been sent to the Additional Commissioner. Most likely by this month end the approval would be accorded,” said Das.
“In the meantime, we have identified a multipurpose cyclone rehabilitation centre in Remuna from where the class can start from the current academic session. To make the school operational, we may have to mobile funds to procure required infrastructure, equipment, including, chair, table and desk etc,” he said.
local MP RK Jena said that he was optimistic of beginning of the second KV from this session. “I had discussions with both the Ministers, Smruti Irani and Prakask Javedkar regarding the demand. I was assured of an early settlement of the issue. Further, if the KV authorities accord approval from this year, I would extend possible help for procurement of basic goods,” said Jena.
About 4 years ago, the KV authorities had announced that the second KV would be established keeping in view of growing demands here. The first KV was established in 1972 when the population of the district was about 5-6 lakh and with the population reaching about 23 lakh, the demand has been multiplied.
“The district administration has expedited the process. Hopefully, some positive thing would happen,” said KV Principal SK Behera.