Odisha's model schools lack of infrastructure becomes growing concern 

ROURKELA: Even as the Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya (OAV) scheme of State Government was implemented in Sundargarh district in the current academic session, the schools are functioning without adequate infrastructure and basic facilities.The model schools have started functioning in seven blocks of the district. It would take at least two more years for the scheme to cover the rest 10 blocks. Implemented by the OAV Sanghathan (OAVS), the scheme aims to have infrastructure and other facilities at par with Kendriya Vidyalayas to provide English medium education in CBSE pattern.

Sources informed that model schools in Bisra, Nuagaon, Lathikata, Kuanrmunda, Lahunipara, Koida and Gurundia blocks are facing teething problems. Most of the school buildings are not ready yet as far as infrastructure is concerned and none of the hostels have been completed. Posting of English medium teachers is yet to be done and as a stopgap arrangement, Block Education Officers (BEOs) have been given additional charge of principals to run the schools.

Consider this: The OAV model school at Mahipani is about eight kms from Bisra block headquarters. With poor communication facility to Mahipani and the 100-bed girls hostel still under construction, students from far-flung areas are forced to make their own travel arrangements. 

Sources in the School and Mass Education Department said if all goes well, the model schools in Rajgangpur, Subdega, Bonai and Sundargarh blocks may start functioning from next academic year, while the remaining blocks would have to wait for at least two more years. 

As of now, education has started for Class VI and VII with an aim to introduce one class in every year till Class X. Each model school comes with a 100-bed girls hostel, but the district administration has decided to construct three additional hostels with total intake of 300 students in each of the mining affected blocks with funding from the District Mineral Foundation. Sundargarh District Education Officer DC Behera said the scheme would be  streamlined in next two years and newly-recruited teachers who are on training now, would join shortly.