Students bear brunt of delayed school works

Metro India News | SURYAPET

The ambitious Mana Ooru–Mana Badi programme, launched to transform government schools across Telangana, has slowed significantly in Tungaturthi Assembly constituency, with several infrastructure projects remaining incomplete due to a shortage of funds.

Construction of dining halls, additional classrooms, electrification works and water facilities has come to a standstill in several Zilla Parishad High Schools across Tirumalagiri, Tungaturthi, Nuthankal, Jajireddygudem, Maddirala and Nagaram mandals. Although the scheme was launched in 2022 with the aim of improving school infrastructure, only a few projects have been completed, while many others remain unfinished.

At Thimmapur in Jajireddygudem mandal, the dining hall has remained incomplete for nearly four years. A similar situation exists at Vardhamanukota in Nagaram mandal. In Jajireddygudem ZPHS, the proposed dining hall has not even entered the construction stage, leaving students without basic facilities.

The delay has caused considerable hardship for students, particularly during the midday meal. In schools where dining halls are incomplete, children are forced to eat under trees or in the open, regardless of the weather. Dust, leaves and debris often fall into their food, raising concerns over hygiene and safety.

Contractors reportedly halted construction after pending bills remained unpaid, further delaying the completion of works. Teachers, students and parents have urged the government to immediately release pending funds, clear contractors' dues and complete the unfinished projects so that students can study and dine in a safe and dignified environment.

"We eat under trees, and dust falls into our food. The dining hall has remained incomplete for four years. We hope the authorities complete the work soon so we can have a proper place to eat."

L. Pravallika Class IX student, ZPHS Thimmapur

"Our school was selected under the Mana Ooru–Mana Badi scheme in 2022, but the dining hall remains unfinished due to lack of funds. The government should immediately release funds and complete the project for the benefit of students."

Thanda Lingamurthy Goud Former SMC Chairman, Thimmapur