Madhepura: About 105 enrolled students have been forced to continue their education in a thatched structure at a govt primary school in Hirapatti Tola village under Kumarkhand block in Madhepura district for the past 18 years with all five classes being run from a single room.The school lacks not only a proper building but also basic facilities such as toilets, benches, chairs and desks. Established in 2007, a year before the devastating 2008 floods ravaged the region, the school has three teachers, a Tola attendant and two cooks for the midday meal.The five classes virtually come to a halt during the monsoon as the thatched structure offers little protection against rain and strong winds. At times, classes are held in the open, in front of the structure. When the weather worsens, students are asked to leave for safety.The irony is there is no safe shelter nearby. Children have to rush home through the rain, often getting drenched. Their parents remain worried until they return, as a bushy stretch surrounds the school and snakes and insects are frequently seen in the area, said the father of a student, requesting anonymity.Students often sit on the wet ground while teachers use plastic chairs. One of the teachers said he had searched for the school on Google before joining and was shown an image of a much better building.“I remained shocked by seeing the condition of the school on arrival here,” he said.However, he added, “It is the duty and have to discharge.”“We have already sent several requisitions for construction of the school building and basic infrastructure to provide a better educational environment to the students, but we have been waiting for a long time. Similar situations are being faced by schools in Tikuliya Ward No-12 and Makri Sharma Tola under the same block,” said local resident Amir Yadav.Madhepura DEO Sanjay Kumar said the requisition had been forwarded to the govt for appropriate action and the problem would be resolved soon.
