Bhubaneswar, Feb. 9: The fate of over 150 students of Shaurya Kalinga Public School is reeling from uncertainty with the sudden closure notice to the institution.

The school, located on the premises on the 120 Infantry Battalion (TA) in the city, was established in August 2009 for providing education to children of civilians and retired defence personnel.

But, the authorities have decided to shut down the school from March 31 following orders from the Central Command, under which the battalion is functioning. Parents are worried over the future of their wards and demanding withdrawal of the closure.

"They had not given us any notice beforehand. And we did not have the slightest idea that such a big decision has already been taken. At this juncture, where are we going to admit our children? The authorities should have at least thought about the future of the children before taking such a decision," said president of the parents' association of the school Gyana Ranjan Patra.

Though no proper reasons were sighted for the closure, sources in the battalion said lack of funds and mismanagement were responsible for the closure.

A number of students studying at the school are not from the defence background. The school was opened with classes from I to V, and at that time, it was assured that the institute would be upgraded to an Army Public School by opening Class XII in subsequent years.

The association has also written to the Prime Minister, defence minister, army chief and the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights for intervening into the matter.

"Yesterday, we received a letter from the Prime Minister's Office, and it stated that they would write to the state government to include the institution under the school and mass education department or would write to the defence ministry to reconsider their decision. We are hopeful that a proper decision would be taken and it would not hamper the future of the students," said Patra.

Speaking on the issue retired Lt Col B.K. Bastia said: "The decision has been taken at the headquarters, so there is nothing that could be done here. The only way left is to connect to the defence ministry."