BARIPADA: Aggrieved over absence of teachers, 12 students of Brahmanagaon residential school in Bangiriposi of Mayurbhanj district jumped over the hostel wall on the wee hours of Tuesday and walked around 20 km to meet Collector Surendra Kumar Meena.After repeated missives to authorities concerned failed to yield any result, the students, who will appear for the Higher Secondary Education (HSC) examination in a couple of days, decided to take up the matter with the Collector.
As per reports, students of the residential school have been facing a lot of difficulties due to absence of teachers. They alleged that though teachers of the neighbouring Ghatkumari UG High School were assigned to take their classes last year, none has been regular in their duty. Except English, courses in other subjects are yet to be completed, alleged the students.
They also claimed that despite repeated complaints to the District Education Officer (DEO), Block Development Officer (BDO) and grievance cell of the Collector, nothing has been done to address the issue. “With the all-important HSC examination starting on Friday and the courses yet to be completed, our future is at stake,” the students said. Sources said 19 students of the residential school will appear for the matriculation tests this year of which seven are day scholars and the rest 12 reside in the hostel.
At around 3 am, the students jumped the hostel boundary wall and walked all the way to the Collector’s office. However, they were not able to meet Meena. Later, the students had discussions with DEO Ranjan Kumar Giri and submitted a written complaint to him.Contacted, Giri termed the act of students as dramatic and claimed that teachers of the neighbouring school are regularly coming to Brahmanagaon residential school and taking classes. “Though the students are making false allegation, I will go to the school and look into the matter,” the DEO added.