No infrastructure, yet this govt school scores a perfect 100

DHNS

Mangalore, 16 May 2011: The Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Mahatma Gandhi Government High School at Konaje Padavu in Mangalore taluk lacks basic amenities, but that has not deterred it from securing 100 per cent results in SSLC examinations.

 

Though the school was identified as a model school by the Department of Education, it does not have a building, lacks toilets and water connection  and conducts its classes in makeshift structures made of coconut fronds and arecanut sheath. As a result it has been functioning in the building of Mangala Grameena Yuvaka Sangha, since its inception in 2007.

 

Speaking to Deccan Herald, the Sangha president Achyutha Gatti said as many as 24 students had appeared for the SSLC examination. Of the total number of students, one girl student has passed with distinction, while seven others have passed in first division.

 

Despite lacking basic infrastructure, the students have proved their mettle and excelled in their studies by sheer determination and hardwork. A few in the village had accused the school teachers of sub-standard teaching. However, now the accusation stands falsified with the school gaining 100 per cent results, he said.

 

Against all odds

 

The school neither has a library nor a laboratory. It is matter of great pride that the students have performed despite all odds, he added.

 

Once a new building is constructed the students need not go to neighbouring houses or panchayat building that are located a few metres away from the school to attend nature’s call, he added.

 

After the media threw light on the abysmal condition of  the government school, the State government had sanctioned funds for the construction of classrooms a few months ago. The work on the building has begun and is likely to be completed soon.

 

Under the Nabard project Rs 25 lakh has been released, while Rs 9 lakh has been sanctioned under the Sarva Shikshana Abhiyana towards the construction of the building, he added.

 

The total strength of students studying in the high school is 157 students, he said.

 

Free of cost

 

“We have allowed the school authorities to hold classes in the building for free. For the past 12 years we were running the anganwadi centre in the building. However, now for the past four years the school is holding classes,” said Gatti.

 

Though the Konaje Gram Panchayat won Nirmala Grama Puraskar from the President of India it has failed to provide toilets to a school that is situated just stone’s throw  away from the panchayat building, rued a resident.