Jharsuguda, Odisha: The School Management Committee (SMC) of the Government High School in Patrapali village, under Jharsuguda Sadar block, has submitted a formal complaint to the District Collector demanding urgent filling of vacant teacher posts. The plea was made on Monday morning amidst rising concerns over the deteriorating academic standards due to an acute teacher shortage.
Situated nearly 30 km from Jharsuguda town, Patrapali is a forest-surrounded, remote village where education is a hard-earned asset. The school, started in 1981 by local villagers for the upliftment of tribal and rural children, has received government recognition and infrastructure upgrades over the years including smart classrooms, drinking water facilities, and new buildings. Yet, the most vital component teachers remains grossly inadequate.
Currently, only five teachers are posted at the school to handle students from Classes 1 to 10, including one physical education instructor. This has led to students from three different grades sharing a single classroom and being taught simultaneously a situation that the SMC terms as “chaotic and unfair.”
In their memorandum, the SMC alleged that some of the school’s clerical staff and teachers have been sent on deputation elsewhere despite the local shortage. This, they argue, not only hampers learning but also forces parents to consider transferring their children to distant schools, incurring extra costs and hardship.
Highlighting the urgency, villagers and committee members demanded that the district administration immediately appoint additional teachers and call back those sent on deputation. They emphasized that failure to act could jeopardize the academic future of over 140 students enrolled in the school.
When contacted, District Education Officer Radhakanta Gartia assured that the matter would be investigated and necessary action taken promptly.
