Chitradurga: The District Education and Literacy Department (DPI) office in Chitradurga is in a state of severe disrepair, raising serious concerns for the safety and well-being of the hundreds of teachers and staff working there. The building, situated on the grounds of the district commissioner’s residence and shaded by a massive tamarind tree, is marked by crumbling walls, leaking roofs, broken windows, and unsafe electrical conditions.
The conditions at the DPI office are dire, with visible signs of neglect. The steps leading to the entrance are in disrepair, and despite attempts at minor repairs over the years, the building has progressively worsened. Staff members, including 47 employees such as the deputy director, education officer, physical education officer, clerical assistants, subject inspectors, and account auditors, work under constant strain, fearing the building’s imminent collapse.
The situation has reached a critical point, with stagnant rainwater accumulating on the roof, leading to plant growth and further deterioration of the structure. Water leaks from the ceiling regularly, damaging important documents, computers, and other office equipment. Concrete and plaster have crumbled, creating an unsafe environment for the staff.
The staff’s work environment has become increasingly hazardous. Inside the office rooms, staff members have had to position their desks away from the walls to avoid falling debris. The unpleasant odour of decay pervades the air, with many staff members reporting health problems due to the unsanitary conditions. Electrical safety is also a major concern, as staff have started warning visitors not to touch the iron grills in the corridor, fearing the risk of electric shocks.
The two toilets available for the 47 staff members are in poor condition, with unreliable water supply making them difficult to use. Female employees are particularly affected by the inadequate facilities, leading to additional challenges. Furthermore, the drinking water unit is broken, forcing staff to bring their own water from home, which adds to their daily difficulties.
While the main building suffers from severe neglect, other offices in the district are also facing issues. The office of the Block Education Officer in the Old High School premises is in better condition due to recent maintenance efforts. However, offices in Challakere, Molakalmuru, and Hosadurga continue to face unresolved issues, further compounding the challenges for the education staff across the district.
Despite these problems, offices in Holekere and Hiryur are relatively well-equipped, offering some respite to the district’s education staff. However, the overall situation across the district remains concerning, especially given the deteriorating condition of the DPI office in Chitradurga.
The staff at the DPI office have repeatedly called for immediate intervention to address the hazardous working conditions. Their plea is simple: restore the office building to a safe and functioning state, so they can carry out their duties without the constant worry of potential accidents or health risks.
Local education officials have acknowledged the problems and urged the authorities to prioritise the repair and renovation of the DPI office in Chitradurga. However, despite their concerns, the response from higher-ups has been slow, leaving staff to deal with these worsening conditions on a daily basis.
The situation has sparked wider discussions about the lack of infrastructure and maintenance in government offices, with a growing number of public sector workers facing similar challenges. The ongoing neglect is damaging not only the physical structures but also the morale of the dedicated staff who work tirelessly for the betterment of education in the region.