Karnataka, known for its advancements in science and technology, has only 8,895 science and mathematics teachers for nearly 22 lakh students of classes 1 to 5 in government primary schools.
The state has just 5,732 English teachers compared to 81,979 Kannada teachers for students of these classes, as per government data, stated a report by The New Indian Express.
While officials claimed that guest teachers are hired to fill these gaps, educationists argued this is not a long-term solution. They warned that if this situation continues, many schools, especially in rural areas, could face closure.
According to experts, the consistent poor SSLC results that some districts or schools witness every year are an indirect, yet clear reflection of shortage of teachers at the primary level. When children are not taught properly, teachers and the government are at fault for failing to spark learning interest in them. The failure not only widens the urban-rural divide, but also the language divide, leaving many children behind.
Child rights activist Vasudev Sharma said that teaching in Kannada may help children grasp concepts faster. However, the severe shortage of subject teachers is crippling their learning. “The current figures are shockingly low and reveal a systematic failure that stunts students’ potential,” he added, according to the report by The New Indian Express.
When a child is not introduced to subject-based concepts at the primary level, it puts immense pressure on the teacher to make up for the gap. “The result is predictable: children are left to blindly memorise practical topics, with no real understanding,” Sharma said.
Sometimes, students are also forced to switch from Kannada to English medium schools after completing Class V or VIII. This is nothing short of a crime as children are thrust into an environment where they cannot learn and are humiliated for their inability, Sharma said.
He said when children without the knowledge of basic concepts are taught in a new language, they go blank. “The result is often dropout, but no one cares about their future as the Right to Education only mandates compulsory education until Class VIII,” he added.
Recently, nearly one lakh teachers were demoted because of the changes made by the government. Development educationist Niranjanaradhya VP said many teachers are also unhappy with the government's decision to restrict those appointed before 2016 to teach students of Classes I to VII as primary school teachers (PSTs), only to Classes I to V.
A senior official from the Department of Public Instruction told The New Indian Express that the department has about 35,000 guest teachers, who cater to 21.8 lakh students.
Educationists, however, rejected the reliance on guest teachers, calling it a flawed approach. They argued that guest teachers, with no-long term commitment, can quit any moment, leaving students in the lurch.
