Heavy rain has caused severe leaking issues at the office building of the deputy director of school education and literacy department (DDPI) in Belgaum. Staff are using buckets and umbrellas to work, with documents at risk of damage. The DDPI office serves as the administrative hub for thousands of primary and high schools in the Belgaum educational district.
The building, a British-era structure with Mangalore tiles, was last renovated in 1959 under then education minister Annarao Ganamukhi and has not seen any updates since. Staff have reported leaks for the past five years, exacerbated by this year’s persistent rainfall which is causing computers and documents to get wet.
Visitors to the office describe standing in water while completing tasks in various rooms. Despite ongoing calls to appoint a full-time DDPI, the position has remained vacant for a year. Currently, the DDPI from Chikkodi educational district is acting as the interim head.
In-charge DDPI Mohankumar Hanchate acknowledged the roof leaks and mentioned plans for renovation, including installing an iron sheet roof along with Mangalore tiles, though the execution has been delayed. The Department of Education intends to construct a new office building for the DDPI, with estimates set to be finalized soon pending government funding approval.
