In a striking protest, residential students of Bisipur Ashram School at Udala walked nearly 8 kilometres to highlight the absence of basic amenities in their hostel.
For over two months, around 250 boarders (100 boys and 150 girls) have reportedly endured life without drinking water, electricity, or proper food. Students alleged they were served insect‑infested rice and, despite repeated complaints to the hostel in‑charge, matron and headmaster, no corrective action was taken. Instead, they claimed they were often scolded for raising concerns.
Frustrated, the students left the hostel and began marching towards the offices of the Block Development Officer (BDO) and Education Officer. They were intercepted at Khunta Chowk and taken to the Khunta Block office, where their grievances were discussed in the presence of the Sub‑Collector of Kaptipada, Project Administrator of ITDA, and the BDO.
The students maintained that poor food quality and lack of basic facilities have persisted for a long time, demanding immediate intervention to improve living conditions.
The incident underscores the urgent need for accountability in hostel management and highlights the vulnerability of tribal students dependent on Ashram schools for education and shelter.
