Two classes held under a tree at Dawadi zilla parishad school in Korchi for want of rooms

The zilla parishad school at Dawadi village in Korchi taluka of Gadchiroli district is struggling with a shortage of rooms. While there is talk of digital learning and modern facilities, pupils at this school have to sit under a tree to study.

The PM Shri Zilla Parishad Primary School, which comes under the Belgaon centre, runs Classes 1 to 5. A total of 31 children study there. The school has only two rooms and two teachers. With five classes and two rooms, teachers have to hold two classes under a tree.

The two teachers are responsible for teaching all five classes. Because of the shortage of rooms, several classes have to be taught together in the same space, which makes teaching difficult. The quality of the children's education, and their safety, have both become a concern.

Headmistress Reshma Kangale said the school needs more rooms. Letters have been written to the gram panchayat, the panchayat samiti and higher authorities. However, according to her, no concrete action has been taken on the demand so far.

Dawadi is only five km from Korchi town. The condition of the school raises questions about basic facilities in the education system. Children in this Naxal-affected and remote area need the administration's immediate attention if they are to be given good facilities.

If the school does not get the rooms it needs, parents' view of government schools could change, and this could in time affect enrolment. There is therefore a demand that construction of additional rooms for the Dawadi school be sanctioned soon, and that the children get safe, adequate and good schooling facilities.