Vishakapatnam- Parents Complain Against 54 Ashram Schools In Parvathipuram ITDA
That the deteriorating condition is not limited to Birupadu, despite the grand claims about development: A Parent
VISAKHAPATNAM: Parents of tribal students have decried conditions at the 54 ashram schools in the Parvathipuram Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) spread across eight mandals. In particular, they have pointed to the Birupadu Tribal Welfare Ashram School in Manyam district, pointing out that the decades-old building is unsafe.
M. Dasa, a parent, stated that the deteriorating condition is not limited to Birupadu, despite the grand claims about development. He said there is no night watchman, which compromises the safety of students. There is a shortage of kitchen staff, with many schools relying on a single cook to prepare meals for hundreds of children.
CPM leader Kolli Sambamurthy echoed these concerns, reiterating that Birupadu Ashram School is in complete disrepair. He accused the government of failing to initiate necessary repairs or renovations despite repeated appeals.
Sambamurthy warned that if this neglect continues, dropout rates among tribal children will significantly increase, undermining education in the region. He urged district collectors to personally inspect the ashram schools in the agency area and take immediate corrective measures.
The CPM leader warned that if the government does not act swiftly to renovate buildings and appoint essential staff, including cooks, watchmen, and ANMs, parents and community leaders will stage a massive protest at the Parvathipuram Manyam District Collector’s office.
"There is systemic neglect of tribal education. Our warnings indicate a looming crisis that could jeopardise the future of thousands of tribal children, unless urgent action is taken," parent Dasa stated. He pointed out that the promise of minister Sandhya Rani to appoint ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) at ashram schools has remained unfulfilled.