Education Dept officials make time for picnicking in Odisha’s Bargarh; video goes viral

Bargarh: Some officials of the Education department in Bargarh district were seen in a video captured by someone through a mobile phone while picnicking on a working day, which went viral on different social media platforms today. Netizens in large numbers have trolled the wrongdoing.

According to a source, the picnic was organised on October 27 near Patharasini shrine at Arjunda village under Ambabhona block in the district. The picnic spot is situated on the bank of river Mahanadi and at the northern end of Barapahar forest range. Including the district education officer (DEO), block education officers (BEOs) from twelve blocks and other senior officials had joined the picnic.

October 27, 2023 was a working day and most of the government offices in Bargarh district were open. Hence, all the offices of Education department were also open on the aforesaid day.

Despite being contacted, the views of Bargarh DEO Mitrabhanu Kachhapa in this regard could not be obtained. He avoided divulging anything on the picnicking for some or the other reason.

Worth mentioning, the picnic spot is located in between Bandijharia fountain and Kedarnath fountain. Presiding deity goddess Patharasini is worshipped in the temple. It is a very popular site and hundreds of visitors from and outside Bargarh throng the spot. Boating facility is an added attraction here.