Tension flared in Debagada district on Thursday as parents and students locked the main gate of Malehipada Government Primary School in Riamal block, staging a demonstration to demand the immediate appointment of additional teachers.
The school, which caters to over 200 students from Shishu Vatika up to Class 8, is currently managed by just five teachers. Parents alleged that the severe staff deficit has drastically affected the quality of education and daily classes.
Despite submitting written representations to the Riamal Block Education Officer (BEO) and District Education Officer (DEO), no steps were taken to address the vacancy, sparking widespread discontent.
Driven by frustration, parents along with students staged a sit-in at the school entrance, preventing teachers and staff from entering the premises. As a result, educational activities came to a complete standstill for the day.
Protesting parents have reiterated that the agitation will continue until education authorities provide concrete assurances and deploy additional teaching staff to the school.
