Typically, the student-teacher ratio is high at the elementary level. But at the secondary and higher secondary levels, the ratio comes down. This could be owing to two factors – dearth of teachers and the drop in enrolment to government schools. For example, around 30 per cent of Class 10 and Class 12 students are forced to prepare for some subjects on their own, as there are no subject teachers available. At times, teachers not trained in the subject are forced to teach, impacting the learning outcomes.
On the other hand, government sources say there is surplus of about 12,000 teachers in the system owing to the increasing number of children moving from government schools to private schools. Ironically, there are huge teacher vacancies in the state.
There are no basic infrastructural facilities like water, electricity and toilets, in most schools. In many schools, students don’t prefer to use toilets due to lack of water facilities and resist the urge to answer nature’s call and wait till they get home, leading to severe health complications. There is also a general lack of sanitation in the school premises, causing health problems.
Existing teachers also find it difficult to handle latest upgraded syllabus in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science. Some teachers do not come to school regularly. Even if they come they either sign the attendance register or record their attendance through biometric system and go out and return in the evening only to complete their routine for the day, complain government school students. There are also complaints of teachers browsing mobile phones while on duty, refusing to take time off to even answer queries.
Many teachers complain that they are not allowed to do their work and are deputed for other administrative work. Further, they are made to take part in the government’s statistical work.
The state is offering 14 different kinds of freebies to government school students which include, uniforms, textbooks, diaries, school bags, pencils and crayons, laptops, geometry boxes, bicycle, atlas, free bus pass, special incentives, funds for father-less students, and a nutritious meal. Although freebies are available, basic infrastructure is neglected, say students.
Source DT NEXT Aug 02, 2019
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