Visakhapatnam: A day after TOI highlighted the lack of a school in a group of remote tribal hamlets in Anakapalle district, education department officials visited the area and assured villagers that a school would be established. Acting on the directions of the district collector, officials from Samagra Shiksha, the education department and other concerned departments visited the village. They informed residents that a school building would be sanctioned and asked them to identify and allocate land for its construction. Officials said proposals for the building would be prepared and sent to the district collector for approval.
Background of the Issue
The issue came to light after students and their parents from four hilltop hamlets – Kotha Losingi, Patha Losingi, Pedagaruvu and Pithrigadda – in Losingi revenue village of Rolugunta mandal staged a unique yoga-based protest seeking a permanent school and an Anganwadi centre. Around 312 tribal residents live in these hamlets, including nearly 60 children studying between Classes 1 and 5.
Challenges Faced by Residents
Villagers said children have to walk about 3 km to attend school at Y B Patnam, while pregnant women and lactating mothers must travel nearly 13 km to access Anganwadi services in Rajannapeta. They said these journeys are particularly difficult because of the hilly terrain and poor connectivity.
Although two alternative schools were introduced in the area, villagers alleged that frequent teacher shortages and the absence of locally available educators have affected education of their kids. They demanded a permanent school in the village and the appointment of qualified local youth as teachers.
Official Response
Following the protest, which was highlighted in TOI in these columns, the district collector responded to the villagers’ concerns and directed officials to take steps towards setting up a school in the area.
