Tensions escalated in Katrakunda village in the Ramgiri Panchayat of Boipariguda block after a local resident locked the primary school and the adjacent Anganwadi center, alleging that the institutions were built on his ancestral land.
The unexpected shutdown forced young students to sit by the roadside to continue their lessons for the day on Wednesday, while local administration eventually intervened to clear the dispute and resume normal operations.
According to reports, the individual claimed that his ancestors had originally donated a portion of land for a single school building. However, over time, the complex expanded to include three to four buildings, toilets, a kitchen, and an Anganwadi center. Citing a growing family and a shortage of living space, the man demanded the return of the land and locked the gates of both educational facilities in protest.
The lockout severely disrupted normal academic activities and impacted the school’s daily routine. With the kitchen locked, the preparation of the Mid-Day Meal ground to a halt. Demonstrating community solidarity, the local Ward Member arranged and financed a temporary meal for the affected children.
Meanwhile, parents expressed deep dissatisfaction over the delayed response of local educational authorities. Although school teachers alerted Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator (CRCC) Akshay Nayak, he failed to reach the scene promptly and later attributed his absence to scheduling conflicts with the official Surabhi program.
The situation was brought under control following the arrival of Boipariguda Tehsildar Snigdha Choudhury and CDPO Sabita Brahma. Officials convened a meeting with villagers and parents to verify land records on-site. Upon inspection, Tehsildar Choudhury confirmed that the property was classified under the government “Jungle Kisam” (forest land) category rather than private ownership, rendering the lockout illegal.
On administrative orders, the locks were removed, allowing classes and Anganwadi activities to resume. Although order was restored by afternoon, local guardians have urged the administration to implement strict measures to prevent similar disruptions and safeguard the children’s education and mid-day meal programs in the future.
