TV
State-of-the-art facilities, robust infrastructure, and smart campuses are reportedly lying unused across several state government-run schools in Odisha owing to an acute shortage of teachers, leading to a poor learning experience for students.
As per sources, a lack of teachers is disrupting regular education in schools that were recently equipped with modern facilities like smart classrooms and advanced tools under the previous state government’s 5T initiative.
Concerning reports in this regard have surfaced from the Indravati Project High School in the Dharamgarh block of Kalahandi. Sources stated that despite modern facilities, the school struggles as reportedly only three teachers are available for five classes.
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“Our science labs are lying closed and we are unable to learn anything new. None of the 5T facilities can be availed by us,” claimed a student of the school.
Incidentally, the school has also seen repeated student and teacher protests. However, they have failed to address the issue, as the school’s administration is under the Irrigation department, complicating recruitment processes.
A similar situation was also reported from the Narasinghpur block in Cuttack where about 24 schools are equipped with smart classrooms and computer labs.
However, since 2019, no new computer instructors have been appointed following earlier dismissals. As a result, computer lessons have halted, and expensive equipment, including computers, generators, and electronics worth crores, lies unused.
Concerned students, parents, and teachers have voiced their frustrations. “Since 2019, several computers have been lying unused and many have become defunct,” alleged Sashi Bhusan Mishra, a contractual computer science teacher.
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Meanwhile, Odisha’s Minister of School and Mass Education, Nityananda Gond promised swift action to resolve this crisis. “Our department has taken note of this matter and necessary actions will be taken soon,” he stated.
