In a glaring example of administrative apathy, the state-of-the-art computer lab at Birsa College in Khunti remains non-functional even 17 months after its grand inauguration. Established with an investment of ₹15 lakh to boost digital literacy, the 20 computers inside the lab are currently buried under thick layers of dust instead of serving the students.

The Irony of Inauguration The lab was inaugurated on July 18, 2024, by MP Kalicharan Munda and MLA Neelkanth Singh Munda amidst much fanfare. It was touted as a major leap toward empowering tribal students with digital skills. However, the locks on the doors were never removed for regular classes. Recently, when members of ABVP forced the administration to open the lab, the sight was disheartening, with expensive equipment lying neglected.

Reason Behind the Lock: Lack of Staff Principal-in-charge Chandrakishore Bhagat admitted that the lab has been idle due to a lack of trained IT instructors and technical staff. He pointed out that while the previous administration set up the infrastructure, they failed to recruit the necessary personnel to operate it.

Impact on Students Students expressed their frustration, stating that without computer training, they are falling behind in competitive exams and the job market. They have demanded the immediate appointment of a computer teacher so that the resources don’t go to waste. As of now, the lab remains a mere “showpiece” of a failed administrative execution.