Berhampur: Several villagers from Baunsiapalli under Ganjam district’s Kukudakhandi block on Friday protested near the district education office (DEO) in Berhampur demanding the reopening of the village primary school, which had been closed six years ago by the govt.The 40-year-old primary school at Baunsiapalli under Dengapadar panchayat was merged with the primary school, Dengapadar, Indira Awas, due to a lack of the necessary student strength. At least 20 students are required to run such schools, sources said.The villagers said they have required student strength and a good building to run the school. “At present, 25 primary students of our village, studying in the primary school, Dengapadar, have to walk at least 3km through forests and lonely stretches every day,” said Dandapani Mallick, who participated in the dharna.Another villager said if the school reopens, others from nearby villages would also take admission here.Ganjam district education officer (DEO) Ajay Kumar Sahu said the district administration has already recommended to the govt the reopening of 24 primary schools in the district, including the one at Baunsiapalli. “The proposal for reopening of the school is under active consideration at govt level. We have apprised the agitators about this,” he said, adding the govt was also providing Rs 600 per month per student as transportation charge for the students.The district authorities have recommended the opening of the school after a joint survey conducted by the block development officer and block education officer (BEO). “We have submitted our report to the district authorities,” said Kukudakhandi BEO Santosh Kumar Mohapatra.
