Students from Classes 9 to 12 are being forced to study in unsafe conditions as the school struggles with damaged infrastructure and a lack of basic facilities
MCB, Chhattisgarh: A government higher secondary school in Kachhaud is facing serious infrastructure problems, putting the safety and well-being of 308 students at risk. The situation has become particularly concerning during the monsoon, with water reportedly leaking through the roof and entering classrooms.
Students’ books, notebooks and uniforms often get wet when rainwater enters the classrooms, according to teachers.
The school also reportedly lacks adequate toilet facilities, forcing students to leave the campus to use the toilet.
Students Studying in Unsafe Conditions
Teachers said the school has several infrastructure-related problems, including the dilapidated building, lack of toilets, electricity-related issues, absence of a proper playground and inadequate laboratory facilities.
Classes are currently being conducted in additional classrooms because the main school building is not in proper condition.
“We do not have a proper building, so classes are being conducted in additional classrooms. There is a seepage problem during the rainy season. There is no washroom for the children and there is no playground. There is not even enough space for students to practice sports. We have submitted another application. Every year we keep informing the authorities about our problems. There are 308 students here, and the number of girls is higher. The washroom is in a dilapidated condition, so children have to go outside. There is a risk of snakes and other animals, and we are scared,” said Rajesh Tiwari, a teacher at the Kachhaud school.
Laboratory Room Also in Poor Condition
Teachers said one of the rooms intended for laboratory use is also in extremely poor condition and appears to be at risk of collapsing.
The school’s problems have reportedly been raised repeatedly with authorities. Written demands and complaints were also submitted during a visit by the local MLA.
Despite repeated representations by teachers over the years, a permanent solution has yet to be implemented, according to the school staff.
Lack of Toilets Raises Safety Concerns
The absence of functional toilets is particularly concerning because the school has a significant number of female students.
Teachers said students are forced to leave the school premises when they need to use the toilet, exposing them to additional safety risks, particularly during the monsoon season.
Education Department Promises Inspection
Following the issue coming to light, the MCB District Education Department has said that officials will inspect the school and assess the situation on the ground.
MCB District Education Officer Ravikant Yadav said he learned about the school’s problems through media reports and would visit the institution along with the Block Education Officer (BEO).
“We will inspect the school and make alternative arrangements for toilets there,” said Ravikant Yadav, District Education Officer, MCB.
The District Education Officer said the actual condition of the school and its infrastructure would be assessed during the inspection. He added that necessary action would be taken after the inspection based on the problems identified at the site.
Monsoon Raises Urgency
With the monsoon continuing, the leaking roof, damaged structures and lack of basic sanitation facilities have increased concerns over student safety.
Parents, teachers and students are now looking toward the education department for immediate temporary arrangements as well as a permanent solution to the school’s long-standing infrastructure problems.
