Gujarat education minister said in the House while answering a starred question raised by Congress Khedbrahma MLA Tushar Chaudhary.
Introduction:
The education landscape in Gujarat faces a significant challenge as the number of government primary schools operating with only one teacher has surged to 1,606.
Education Minister Kuber Dindor recently disclosed this concerning trend in response to inquiries during a legislative session.
Rising Numbers and Concerns:
During the Question Hour session, Minister Dindor highlighted the worrying statistics, indicating that the proliferation of single-teacher schools poses a substantial challenge to the education system.
According to the Right to Education Act of 2009, these schools should ideally have one teacher for every 30 students, yet many fall short of this standard. Of particular concern are the 20 schools with less than five students, further exacerbating the issue.
Government Initiatives and Efforts:
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Minister Dindor outlined the government’s efforts to mitigate the challenge. Measures such as appointing additional “gyan sahayaks” and organizing inter-district transfer camps aim to alleviate staffing shortages and provide support to these schools.
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However, despite these initiatives, the persistent shortage of teachers in many schools remains a pressing concern.
Breakdown of Enrollment and Challenges:
Further examination of the data reveals a breakdown of student enrollment in these single-teacher schools. Approximately 85 government primary schools have 5-10 students, while 315 have 11-20 students, and around 419 have 20-30 students.
This variation in enrollment underscores the complexity of the issue, as schools with fewer students may struggle to attract additional staff.
Calls for Action and Future Outlook:
In response to the escalating problem, legislators like Congress Vav MLA Geniben Thakor have urged the state government to take decisive action.
Expressing concerns about the potential future increase in single-teacher schools, Thakor emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent further deterioration of the education system.
Additionally, addressing the challenges faced by teachers, including long commutes and understaffing, must be prioritized to ensure a conducive learning environment for students.
Conclusion:
The revelation of the surge in single-teacher schools underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address staffing shortages and support the education system in Gujarat.
As stakeholders continue to grapple with this issue, collaborative efforts between the government, educators, and communities are crucial to safeguarding the quality of primary education in the state.
Source – IndianExpress
