Its a temple of learning, literally

DHENKANAL: A school in Dhenkanal district has been functioning from a temple for over two years. The Kathagada Nuasahi Primary School in Anand Nagar under Dhenkanal Municipal has 40 students from Class I to III with just two teachers imparting education.The school was opened by a social activist Jayant Kumar Biswal with support from locals and members of National Service Scheme (NSS) of the district. The school functioned under Education Guarantee Scheme till it was elevated to the status of a primary school.  Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rs. 6.50 lakh was sanctioned for construction of a new building for the school. Funds worth Rs. 5 lakh was released to the joint account of the village education committee (VEC) and headmaster for the purpose. The construction work was simultaneously handed over to the VEC headed by Dipak Mishra. The building construction work, however, came to a halt due to lack of funds, claimed Mishra. Ironically, the temple is located just three km from SSA  office.The school Headmaster, Usharani Mishra, said the school enjoys the confidence of the community people.  Commenting on the upcoming school building, Mishra said she has informed the office of the district project coordinator, SSA, about the fund crunch. The School Management Committee president Gitarani Parida had the same thing to share.Contradicting the claims of the former VEC on funds constraint, District Project Coordinator of SSA UN Das said the work undertaken has been less than the money released.However, the only thing that keeps the school going at the temple is the mid-day meal programme which ensures at least a square meal for the poor students.