In the remote village of Selkiana, Punjab, a Government Primary School is grappling with a severe staffing shortage, forcing a single, physically challenged teacher to shoulder the immense responsibility of educating 25 students across eight different classes. The situation, which has persisted for approximately 15 years, has drawn concern from parents and villagers who fear for the quality of education their children are receiving.
The Chenab Times has learned that Yogesh Dutta, a teacher on deputation, is currently managing all administrative and teaching duties at the Selkiana school. Two years ago, Dutta suffered a paralytic attack that affected one of his hands, yet he continues his daily commitment to the school, striving to maintain the continuity of learning for his young charges. His workload is significantly amplified by the necessity to complete official documentation, maintain school records, prepare reports, and fulfill other departmental obligations, all while attempting to provide adequate attention to students spanning various age groups and academic levels.
Dutta expressed his dedication in a statement to The Tribune, stating, “I am giving my best because it is my core responsibility to provide good education to the students. I try to teach every child despite the challenges. However, managing all the classes along with official work is not easy.” His commitment underscores the dire circumstances at the institution, highlighting the challenges faced by educators in understaffed rural schools.
Residents of Selkiana village have voiced their appreciation for Dutta’s unwavering efforts but have urgently appealed to the Education Department for the immediate appointment of additional teaching staff. Nirbhay Singh, a local resident, shared his concerns, “We respect the hard work of the teacher, but one person cannot manage eight classes effectively. Children need individual attention at the primary level. Because of the shortage of teachers, many parents have chosen to admit their children to nearby private schools. The government should immediately appoint more teachers so that village children receive the quality education they deserve.” The sentiment reflects a broader concern about the accessibility and quality of education in government-run rural schools.
Leaders within the teachers’ union have also brought attention to the critical issue. Sukhwinder Singh Chahal, president of the Government Teachers’ Union, Punjab, stated that despite government promises to bolster government schools by filling vacant positions, many institutions, like the one in Selkiana, continue to operate with a single educator. He elaborated, “There are several primary schools where a single teacher is handling multiple classes. No separate recruitment has been carried out for pre-primary sections, and existing teachers are already overburdened with teaching as well as administrative responsibilities. Every class should have a dedicated teacher to ensure effective learning.” His remarks point to systemic issues within the education department that contribute to such staffing crises.
Responding to the reports, Deputy Education Officer Manoj Kumar assured that the matter would be investigated. “I will look into the issue and direct the concerned officials to take appropriate steps so that the studies of students do not suffer,” Kumar said, indicating a potential intervention from the education authorities to address the critical shortage of teachers at the Selkiana Government Primary School.
The Chenab Times News Desk