By Bikash Kumar Dhal, OP
Banta: A shortage of teachers at Government Bantala Nodal UP School in Banta block of Bhadrak district has disrupted classroom teaching, prompting parents to demand immediate intervention to safeguard students’ education.
Despite having adequate infrastructure, the school is struggling to manage its nine classes, from Sishu Vatika (pre-primary) to Class VIII, with just three teachers for 84 students. Established in 1972, the school previously had five teachers.
However, the situation worsened after two teachers left in September, leaving the remaining staff struggling to manage the academic responsibilities. Students from multiple classes are now being taught together in just three classrooms. In one room, 25 students from five classes Sishu Vatika and Classes I to IV attend lessons together.
Another classroom accommodates 27 students from Classes V and VI, while 32 students from Classes VII and VIII share the third room. Parents allege that the arrangement is affecting the quality of education, as teachers find it difficult to give individual attention to students of different classes simultaneously.
They fear the shortage could adversely affect children’s academic progress. School management committee President Manoja Manjari Ojha submitted a written complaint to the Block Education Officer (BEO) October 15, seeking the immediate appointment of additional teachers. Parent Manasi Rout said the shortage was seriously affecting classroom teaching and urged the authorities to resolve the issue without further delay. Kishore Rout, a former school management committee president and current alumni committee president, said the shortage had disrupted academic activities.
He added that the matter had been raised with the BEO in coordination with the current committee president, seeking a permanent solution. Acting headmaster Mihir Kumar Aich, who assumed charge October 1, said administrative responsibilities left him with limited time for classroom teaching. The remaining two teachers were also finding it difficult to manage all nine classes. He said appointing two additional teachers would help ease the situation.
Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator (CRCC) Pradeep Palei said the school had consistently maintained high educational standards. He had brought the shortage to the attention of senior departmental officials and urged them to ensure the appointment of the required teachers.
Additional Block Education Officer and District Inspector of Schools Harekrushna Apat said the department had received the committee president’s complaint. He attributed the shortage to the headmaster’s retirement and the transfer of another teacher. Apat said steps were being taken to address the issue and ensure that students’ education was not affected. He expressed confidence that the shortage would be resolved soon.