Heavy rainfall in the Bhilai and Durg district over an 18-hour period has shed light on the deplorable condition of many primary and upper primary schools in the region. Students in these schools are either forced to brave the elements with umbrellas and raincoats or, in some cases, are even skipping classes due to leaky roofs. The sorry state of these schools is primarily due to their dilapidated buildings, which cannot withstand heavy rains. When the heavens open up, the ceilings of the classrooms in these schools start leaking, leaving the young learners drenched. Several schools in Nehru Nagar, Model Town, Khamaria, and Junwani Road, witnessed a dismal attendance of students as rainwater continued to pour in, making conditions inside the classrooms intolerable. Water collected on the floors, rendering the classrooms unusable.

 

A Class 3 student from Government Primary School on Kurud Road near Kohka said, “When it starts raining, water enters our classroom, and even the mats we sit on get wet. This is why most students are avoiding classes.” A Class 2 student added that studying on wet floors during the rainy season is extremely challenging. A headmaster on condition of anonymity revealed, “There are a few classrooms where rainwater is leaking from the ceiling. We will be relocating the students to the neighboring primary school. The block education department is planning renovation work soon.” Government Upper Primary School in Daur Village near Jamul faces asimilar situation. A Class 6 student stated, “Whenever the ceiling starts leaking, we are moved to other classrooms. Sometimes it becomes difficult for us to study.” Dinesh Basin, a school educationist and senior member of the Right to Education Forum, voiced concerns about the situation, pointing out that primary school budgets are constantly shrinking, and government funds often arrive late.

 

He alleged that the condition of government schools across the district is distressing. When contacted, Abhay Jaiswal, District Education Officer, assured that the department has received sufficient funds to improve school infrastructure. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, responsible for elementary schools, is already renovating many schools, and some have been transformed into better conditions. However, with over 355 primary and 210 upper primary schools in the district, renovation work is yet to begin in some locations. The plight of these schools during the rainy season highlights the urgent need for comprehensive improvements in their infrastructure to ensure a conducive learning environment for the students.