Kalahandi primary education affected as teachers bunk school

The Pioneer, 15th October, 2009
Bikash Khemka | Bhawanipatna

Gross irregularity among primary school teachers in village areas in attending schools is very common in Kalahandi district. Drawing monthly salary in time from the block office without going to schools to take classes and remaining engaged in private work to multiply their income is a regular feature here.

Hundreds of schoolteachers have reportedly been engaged in contractual work for a long time but they attendant the school hardly once a week or even once a month which is enough for them to get full month’s salary. However, the attendance register shows 100 per cent attendance.

In some places, it has been alleged that the teachers engage dummy teachers so that the classes would continue without affecting their business. Many teachers are under the protection of politicians and influential people which helps them to continue with their modus operandi without fear.

While the Govt has extended its full support to boost primary education in the whole country, crores of rupees are being utilised in various education programmes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). But the programme has terribly failed in villages, thanks to the corrupt teachers.

After conducting a thorough enquiry basing upon the alleged report of absentees since long, Collector R Sathagopalan suspended 16 primary teachers from different blocks and directed to stop salary of another 12 teachers in the district. This decision has alarmed other absentees who have now started running to their schools. But it is apprehended that after a few days the same practice will continue again. Sources informed that more teachers would be suspended very soon.