Is Painting Schools In Odisha With ‘Pakistani’ Colour 5T Transformation? Asks Jayanarayan Mishra
“Among all other states in the country, dropout ratio is the highest in Odisha,” claimed Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Jayanarayan Mishra in the House today.
Lashing out at the government during the Zero hour, the senior BJP leader said the state of education in Odisha is in shambles as is evident from the alarmingly high dropout ratio in schools.
“More than 15,000 students have not appeared for the ongoing matric examinations in the State. On the other hand, the Minister is seen visiting schools during exam hours and taking pictures with students. How unsettling would it be for those children taking the tests in such an environment?,” he asked while taking potshots at School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash.
“Painting the schools in ‘Pakistani’ colour is not enough to mark progress in education. There’s rampant absenteeism of teachers. Students of Class 6 can’t even spell out all the Odia alphabets. Is this the government’s 5T vision?,” Mishra said, while seeking the government’s response on the matter.
Congress leader Narasingh Mishra too brought up the concern and said the state of education in the State is standing on a shaky foundation.
In response BJD MLA Dr Arun Sahu said the Opposition still hasn’t understood the essence of the government’s 5T agenda. “If you go to a village and see any sign of progress, that is 5T transformation for you. The Opposition has taken up 5T agenda and even linked it to Pakistan by talking about painting schools “green”. Isn’t green a part of the Tricolour? How are elections held in Pakistan? Is there any coherence in the Opposition’s link between Pakistan and 5T? Even people from BJP ruled states are coming and appreciating the 5T initiative of Odisha government. 5T is a vision, an idea and a means of transformation which is being used to upgrade schools and other areas. If the Opposition has a particular dislike for the colour green, why not even quit consuming green vegetables,” he responded.
