Plagued by abysmally low student strength and a steady rate of dropout, as many as 133 Government-run primary schools are facing the threat of closure in Kendrapada district.
These schools thrive only on paper with exceedingly poor enrolment which has necessitated their shutdown. The School and Mass Education Department has decided to close 49 primary schools after the issue of poor enrolment was reviewed at a recent high-level meeting. Contrary to the prescribed yardstick, 133 schools were found to have student strengths of less than 25.
However, it was decided to run 84 schools as these were disadvantageously located. Teachers get 'undeclared' holidays as students do not turn up. The schools to be closed would be merged with nearby Government-run schools in terms of students. The teaching staff would also be accordingly shifted, said an official.
Every year, there has been a consistent decline in the roll strength in almost all the schools. As the department claims, 1.62 lakh students are enrolled in 1,900 Government schools. This overall enrolment figure appears to be on a higher side.
Bogus enrolment has become the order of the day. It has double advantage. With increased roll strength, teachers manage to cling on to their choice postings without being disturbed. Besides, the midday meal quota and other student-friendly schemes are a bonus with bogus students’ shares grabbed by teachers.
For all practical purposes, primary education here has lost its sheen. Disillusioned parents repose little faith in the much-touted free education, said a noted educationist. For obvious reasons, the focus is steadily shifting towards private public schools for quality education, he added.