2,585 High Schools in Odisha running without Headmaster: Minister

Bhubaneswar: A total of 2,585 High Schools are functioning without permanent Headmasters, informed Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash in the State Assembly. Currently students are studying up to Class X in 8,076 High Schools in the State.

In written reply to a query asked by BJD MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy, the Minister said due to pending court cases and legal hassles the vacant Headmaster posts could not be filled up.

Amar Prasad said due to absence of permanent Headmasters at hundreds of high schools, quality of education could not be provided to students. When senior teachers are given the Headmaster charge, education takes a backseat and students suffer the most, the legislator said.

Replying to another question asked by BJP MLA Mohan Majhi, the Minister said 115 schools in the State lack own buildings. Students of 90 primary schools are forced to study under open sky due to absence classrooms. Computer lab facilities are absent in as many as 1,048 high schools. Of them computers could not be operated in 28 schools due to lack of power supply. 261 schools do not have library facilities.

The Minister further said 315 schools have strength less than 10 students.