'Enough Is Enough!' Why 180 Students Walked Away From Govt Hostel in Odisha's Nabarangpur?

Nabarangpur, Aug 6: As many as 180 students staying at a government high school hostel at Santemera in Odisha's Nabarangpur district walked nearly 20 km towards Jharigam on Thursday, alleging poor living conditions, overcrowding and inadequate food at the hostel.

The students, carrying their school bags and belongings, left the hostel after claiming they had been facing multiple problems for a long time.

Students Allege Overcrowding, Poor Food
The hostel is attached to the Government UG High School at Santemera under Jharigam block.

According to the students, nearly 180 inmates are accommodated in just two rooms. They alleged that around 150 students stay in one room, while the remaining 30 stay in another smaller room, making living conditions extremely difficult.

One student alleged, "We are nearly 180 students, but only two rooms have been allotted to us. Around 150 students are accommodated in one room, while the remaining 30 stay in a smaller room. During the summer, it becomes unbearable to live there. We are also served poor-quality food, and on several occasions we have found worms or insects in the rice and dal. How can we eat such food?"

The students further alleged that rainwater leaks through the hostel roof during the monsoon, forcing them to stay in damp rooms.

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Students Allege Complaints Were Ignored
The inmates also accused the hostel authorities of ignoring their grievances.

One student said, "Whenever we complain to the Headmistress, she tells us, 'Did you ever eat this much food at your homes?' When we ask for sports equipment, she asks us to arrange it ourselves. She also says, 'I have already bought a smart board out of my own pocket.'"

The students also claimed that no government official had ever visited the hostel to inspect their living conditions.

"No government official has ever visited the hostel to see the conditions in which we are living," they alleged.

Authorities Stop Students Midway
While the students were walking towards Jharigam, officials, including the Welfare Extension Officer (WEO), Assistant Block Education Officer (ABEO), Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator (CRCC) and the Headmistress, intercepted them near Dukalupada School.

The students were persuaded to halt at the school, while their parents were informed. Officials said the students would be handed over to their guardians after they arrived.

Headmistress Denies Allegations
Rejecting the allegations, Headmistress Rajalaxmi Maharana said the hostel administration was working to address the shortage of accommodation.


"They have demanded additional rooms, and we are working on that. However, all their other allegations are baseless. Everything was being provided to them," she said.

The WEO said the allegations would be investigated. However, the incident has raised fresh questions over hostel infrastructure, monitoring and student welfare in the district.