Govt school building in Yadgir turned into cattle shed

Government Kannada Lower Primary School at Parasapur village of Yadgir district is in pathetic condition as the building of the school has been taken over to provide accommodation to a cattle shed, evoking strong criticism from villagers and parents who accuse the school of turning the dirty environment into an obstacle to children's study and play.

The Shahapur taluk school campus not being fenced by any compound wall, some unknown individuals have been charged in local news articles of regularly keeping their cows within the school campus. Due to this reason, cow dung and dirt are present everywhere, and it is hard for children to study or even play outside.

"Each day, we need to cross cow dung in order to attend school. We don't have a playground. We need a clean and lovely playground," one student, who wished not to be named, said.

The school is devoid of elementary facilities such as clean drinking water and toilet facility, villagers and parents alleged. "As private individuals are keeping cattle within the school compound on a daily basis, children also are suffering from difficulties in studying and playing. The concerned officials have to visit school at once and advise people and provide a healthy environment to students," alleged Venkatesh who is a resident of Parasapur.

Villager Ningappa also complained that the issue had even affected the morning prayer of the school. "As cattle are being hobbled within school compound, students cannot do morning prayers in the traditional manner. The education department officials should take immediate action."

The problem, the residents claim, can be prevented by the construction of a compound wall along the school perimeter. "There is no compound wall to the Government Kannada Lower Primary School. Residents are therefore tying cattle here. If a compound wall is built, the problem will be kept at bay," said Venkappa Dore, one of the residents of Parasapur in Grama Panchayat.

Seeing the complaints, education officials carried out an inspection of the school on Thursday. Shahapur block education officer YS Hargi and BRC Renuka Patil went to the school and took the statements of the head teacher of the school and Biranoor Gram Panchayat members.

Deputy director of public instruction (DDPI) Channabasappa Mudhol lent his voice for unhygienic condition of the school campus. "Parasapur Government School in Yadgir premises spoiled with unhygienic conditions," he said.

"We have submitted a letter to the Taluk panchayat executive officer, suggesting construction of various basic facilities like drinking water, compound wall, and toilets for the school, to end the agony," he added.