Paralakhemundi,(Tarini Prasad Panda):A disturbing picture of the education system has emerged in Gajapati district, where more than 80 percent of schools reportedly have enrolment below 30 percent, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of efforts to bring children closer to education.
Despite a steady rise in population in the district, the number of students enrolling in schools has not increased proportionately. The situation has become alarming as per government norms, schools with enrolment below 30 percent face the possibility of closure.
Earlier, in the 2020 academic year, 583 schools were shut down out of the total 1,366 schools in the district due to low student strength. At present, 64,493 students are studying in 814 schools, while 4,060 teachers are engaged in imparting education to them.
Data from the Education Department further reveals the gravity of the issue. Last year alone, 266 schools had fewer than 30 students, and more than 30 schools recorded enrolment of less than 10 students each. These figures clearly reflect the fragile condition of primary education in the district.
Even though crores of rupees are being spent to strengthen primary education and bring learning closer to children, the intended benefits appear yet to reach the grassroots level. Concerned intellectuals and members of civil society have urged the government and district administration to take well-planned and effective measures to improve the quality and accessibility of primary education in Gajapati district.
