In Shikaripara, a significant number of schools are facing a severe shortage of teachers, with 113 out of 262 schools in the block being run by just one teacher. According to reports from the Block Resource Centre (BRC), apart from the upgraded High School in Hirapur, 11 middle schools, 49 primary schools, 46 upgraded primary schools, and 6 new primary schools are all operating with a single teacher in charge.
At the upgraded High School in Hirapur, 159 students are being taught by a lone government teacher, Uttamkant Jha, who serves as the in-charge headmaster. Additionally, one deputed assistant teacher is assigned to the school for three days a week. The school, which was upgraded to a high school in 2016-17, offers education to students from classes 1 to 10. However, due to the shortage of teaching staff, classes are being conducted with students from different grades learning together, creating significant challenges for both teachers and students.
Challenges Faced by Students and Teachers
Students from classes 1 to 10 are forced to sit in the same classroom, studying in a mixed environment that hampers their learning experience. The in-charge headmaster, in addition to managing the school, attends various meetings and trainings, leaving the deputed assistant teacher to handle the entire school’s curriculum on those days. This has led to minimal teaching, with subjects such as Mathematics and Science being neglected.
Local students like Geeta Hembram, Seema Tudu, Milani Tudu, and Mati Marandi have expressed their frustration, calling for the appointment of subject-specific teachers to ensure a comprehensive education.
The lack of teachers in Shikaripara highlights the urgent need for additional staff to ensure that students receive quality education. With the current system relying on minimal teaching resources, the educational future of these students remains uncertain unless immediate action is taken to address the teacher shortage.