Koderma: Around 200 students of a govt-run residential girls’ school in Koderma district’s Satgawan block staged an 8-km march to the block office on Friday over poor quality food and an alleged decline in academic standards.The students, from classes VIII to XII, submitted their grievances to the office. Carrying placards and raising slogans, the girls braved the heat, with several students fainting on the way and being taken to Satgawan community health centre for medical attention.The protest highlighted discontent among students at the residential school, which has an enrolment of 369. The girls alleged that the quality of food served to them had remained poor for several months. They also claimed that regular classes were not being conducted properly despite the school having seven teachers, affecting their studies and academic activities.According to the students, they had raised the issues with the authorities earlier. Following a confrontation on Aug 15, BDO Manoj Kumar Ravi had assured them that corrective measures would be taken. However, the students alleged that there was no visible improvement in either the food or academic arrangements, prompting Friday’s protest.After the demonstration, BDO Ravi and district education officer Mukul Raj visited the school to assess the situation and speak to the students. Ravi assured them that their grievances would be addressed. Ram ordered an inquiry into the school’s functioning and management and said necessary action would be taken based on its findings.Koderma deputy commissioner Utkarsh Gupta told TOI that a team has been sent to the school to address the issues faced by the students. “Some of the problems have been resolved, and all arrangements will be streamlined very soon,” he said. He added that the district administration is firmly committed to providing quality education and support to students studying in govt schools.
