TIKAPUR, March 14 -- Ujyalo Sikshya Sadan is the only elementary school in the locality of Majhi community of Kachali village of Tikapur. Though established in 1998, the school lacks basic infrastructures and facilities. If support is not extended to this institution urgently, it might have to be closed, its teacher says.

"This is the only school around here that offers junior level classes here. Most of its students belong to the Majhi community," said its sole teacher Tulasa Devi Majhi. "But in the lack of financial resources, it might close soon."

Tulasa says that she has a meager salary. And as such, she is in a dilemma, whether to continue with the job or not. "Even though the government has a basic salary scale for teachers, this ...