Kandhamal, Jun 21: In a surprise inspection that exposed serious lapses in school functioning, Odisha’s School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond visited the Pokanagaon Government Residential Girls’ High School near Phulbani on Saturday morning.

What he found left him visibly displeased: out of 378 enrolled students, only 5 were present.

The minister, who arrived at the school around 11 am, immediately summoned the headmistress and all teaching staff, expressing strong disapproval over the dismal attendance and lack of preparedness. He also voiced concern over the poor hygiene and cleanliness of the school premises, advising staff to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for students.

Gond later inspected the girls’ hostel and reviewed its condition. He reminded the staff that the department had already issued circulars instructing schools to be fully prepared and operational.

“If schools located near towns and roads are in such poor shape, one can only imagine the condition of schools in remote tribal areas,” he remarked.

Kandhamal, a predominantly tribal and geographically challenging district, has long faced issues related to access and quality of education. The minister’s visit was part of a broader initiative to ensure accountability and improve educational standards across the state.

He warned that such negligence would not be tolerated and urged school authorities to take immediate corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

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