3 students injured as plaster falls at primary school in Bhadrak

Balasore: At least three students were injured when chunks of plaster fell from the roof of the verandah at a primary school in Bhadrak district’s Bahumagheri during Teachers’ Day celebrations on Friday.Witnesses said plaster from the roof suddenly fell on the children, leading to head and body injuries. The injured students have been identified as Shubhashree Kala and Shakuntala Mandal of Sishu Vatika, and Srabani Kala of Class III. The injured students were immediately rushed to Basudevpur community health centre, where hospital sources stated their condition was stable.Headmaster Prasanta Kumar Maji said, “The children survived due to the grace of God and the blessings of their parents,” adding that even teachers feel unsafe during classes as rainwater leaks through the roof and plaster often falls off during heavy rain. The school, which has 32 students from nursery to Class V, has long been in a dilapidated state. Parents have repeatedly appealed to the block development officer and the district collector for repairs, but no action has been taken so far.Basudevpur BDO, Tanmita Kar, said the school authorities have been instructed to stop classes inside the unsafe building. “The block education officer will take action against the school management for the lapse. A proposal for repair work was submitted earlier but was rejected due to insufficient funds. A fresh proposal will now be sent to the govt,” she said.