Villagers and students from Boirabhadi in Nuapada block staged a sit-in protest outside the District Education Office, demanding the establishment of a Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya in their village.
Residents grew angry after learning that the school, originally proposed for Boirabhadi, would instead be constructed in Mangurapani village under the same panchayat. Moreover, officials scheduled the foundation stone ceremony in Mangurapani on Wednesday, which sparked outrage among Boirabhadi villagers.
Protesters, including parents and students, accused the education department of betraying Boirabhadi by shifting the project. They argued that the village lacks a higher primary school, leaving children deprived of access to quality education. In addition, they pointed out that despite the presence of a panchayat office and other small institutions, the absence of a proper school forces students to travel long distances for higher studies.
Villagers declared they would not remain silent until the school is established in Boirabhadi. Furthermore, they vowed to continue their protest at the education office until their demand is met. Four tractors carried villagers, including women, to Nuapada to join the demonstration, highlighting the scale of local participation.
The demand for a Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya reflects the determination of Boirabhadi residents to secure educational opportunities for their children. Consequently, the protest underscores growing frustration over decisions that villagers believe ignore their needs.
