Nandapur,Sept 3 [UDN}: Residents of Khanbar Panchayat under Nandapur block in Koraput district have alleged that the Tribal Development Department is neglecting the area despite a large tribal student population.
As many as 582 tribal students live in the panchayat, yet there is no residential school. Consequently, many students are forced to travel outside the panchayat for their education.
According to villagers, 155 tribal children are receiving pre-primary education at three Anganwadi centres in Kona, Nabar and Pandua. Meanwhile, 328 students are studying in schools and residential schools located both within and outside the panchayat. However, 109 tribal students have reportedly dropped out of education for various reasons.
The situation is particularly difficult in several remote villages. In Dakeripada, 73 students reportedly travel around 5 km to Kona to attend the Anganwadi centre and school, while 20 children have dropped out. Similar cases of school dropouts and long-distance travel have been reported from Julipahada, Bandhaguda, Kirambar, Kona, Khanbar, Bhaluguda, Totaguda, Dabuguda, Dengiamba, Bimitiguda, Ghatiguda, Majaguda, Pandua and Karanjaguda.
Despite the significant tribal population, the panchayat does not have a single residential school, residents alleged.
Speaking on the issue, Pattangi MLA Ramachandra Kadam said he would draw the attention of the State Tribal Development Minister and the Chief Minister to the matter. He said he would request the government to establish a residential school from Class I to X in Khanbar Panchayat and another residential school from Class VI to X in Nandaka Panchayat.
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