Malkangiri: While the Odisha government has declared schools as punishment-free zones, the scenario in the State’s remotest district-Malkangiri is quite different.
Students of Subarnapur Primary School in the district’s Korukonda block are scared to attend classes.
They are afraid of being beaten by teacher Ranjan Behera who allegedly thrashes them on some pretext or other.
“He beat me with a stick on my back. I got a fever after that. I don’t want to go to school,” alleged a tiny girl.
Similar sentiments were also expressed by the villagers of Subarnapur. They alleged that the teacher often beat their wards with sticks often leaving injury marks on their skins.
They also alleged that the school teacher never came to school on time and served insect-ridden rice to the children in their mid-day meals while misappropriating the rice provided for serving mid-day meals to children.
“That teacher has beaten my daughter with a stick. She has injury marks on her back. She doesn’t want to come to school,” alleged Samara Hantal, a villager of Subarnapur.
“He has beaten our children. Some are even unable to walk. Insect-ridden rice is being served to children in the school while he is misappropriating the good quality rice supplied for serving midday meal to children,” alleged another villager Chakra Hantal.
On the other hand, the teacher Ranjan Behera while outrightly denying allegations of misappropriation of rice meant for serving of midday meal has admitted to having beaten the children.
“With regard to yesterday’s incident yes I admit that I have beaten the children. They aren’t my enemies. It was a mistake on my part. I have more stock of rice than I should have. Then how have I sold the rice? And why should I sell rice?” asked teacher Ranjan Behera.
