Led by parents, students of Dhavshire Government Primary School at Dhavshire-Usgao boycotted classes over the non-appointment of two regular teachers at the school. Parents have been perturbed by the frequent change of teachers and have threatened not to send their children to school till arrangements are made for regular teachers. Understandably, frequent changes in teachers are confusing to students since each teacher follows a different approach.
One teacher has proceeded on long leave, while another is on government duty, even as the education department has indicated helplessness because of the student-teacher ratio which doesn't permit an additional regular teacher. For now, the two teachers from Dhavshire school have been replaced by one para teacher and one teacher from a high school - but there's uncertainty over their continuing to teach there.
The teacher-student ratio of 1:24 is absurd and needs to reviewed. There are several government primary schools where the student count is less than 24 making them eligible for only one teacher. Imagine this: Only one teacher is available for all four divisions and for all four classes. Only one teacher teaches all the subjects, collectively 16. While two divisions are clubbed into one, the other two divisions take a break alternatively after the first two.
In the Dhavshire case where student count is 93, a fourth teacher cannot be hired because of rigid formulas of 24:1. The students have been denied an additional teacher only because the student count fell short by three. Knowing well that parents and students have been having issues with the teachers, the education department cannot be in agreement to sending their regular teachers for booth level officer duties. If the department was concerned, it would have acted swiftly by roping in surplus teachers elsewhere so that some semblance of stability would be restored. Alternatively, they should have explored the option of shifting the students to a suitable neighbouring school.
The teacher-student ratio cannot be practical in schools where enrollment is low. Going by this ratio, 1st and 2nd divisions are clubbed and taught together, adding to the confusion. There can't be individual attention in such scenarios. The government has to be practical and flexible and cannot use the same template of ratios across the board. Government primary education systems fail miserably when compared to private schools on account of practices like these where teaching is compromised. Financial implications or shortage of teachers cannot mar educational processes. Following such systems is like playing with the future of innocent children.
The government needs to do a serious rethink on its primary education. Take cues from the private sector and build up on success stories. There has to be a teacher for every class and no student should be left unattended. Don't play with the future of children.
