Incomplete dining hall adds to students' misery

Metro India News | ADILABAD

More than 1,000 students of the Zilla Parishad High School at Indervelly in Adilabad district continue to face hardship during the midday meal as the construction of a dedicated dining hall has remained incomplete at the basement stage.

The school, one of the largest government schools in the State, has around 1,030 students from Classes VI to X studying in both Telugu and English mediums. Besides students from Indervelly, children from nearby villages in Utnoor, Gudihathnoor and Narnoor mandals also attend the school.

Recognising the need for a proper dining facility, District Collector Rajarshi Shah had sanctioned Rs.22 lakh for the construction of a midday meal hall. However, the contractor completed only the basement-level work and allegedly abandoned the project, leaving the structure unfinished.

As a result, students continue to face difficulties every day while having their lunch. The problem became more evident on Wednesday when continuous drizzle lashed the area during the lunch break. Teachers released students class-wise for the midday meal, but with no completed dining hall, hundreds of children were forced to stand in queues and eat their meals in the rain while holding their plates.

Parents and local residents expressed concern over the delay in completing the project, stating that students are being subjected to unnecessary inconvenience despite funds having been sanctioned. They urged district authorities to intervene immediately, ensure the pending construction is completed at the earliest, and provide students with a safe and hygienic space to have their midday meals, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season.