In Byndoor taluk of Udupi district, Karnataka, a critical shortage of teachers has led to a troubling situation where as many as 21 government schools are being run by only one teacher each. This dire issue reflects broader systemic neglect in the state’s education sector.
Schools in various areas, including Yadnalli, Ajri, Hoskote, Ajragadde, Hosabailu-Hallihole, Vatebacchalu, Yalaberu, Halkal, Mudoor, Gudedevasthana, Hayyangar-Keradi, Kullamballu, Karibalu, Halliberu, Hadavu, and Athrady, are all affected. Even in regions like Melhosur, Manki-Gujjadi, Keradi, Uppunda, and Byndoor, government primary schools are struggling with similar staffing issues.
According to a report by The New Indian Express, the Byndoor education block is facing this crisis with 21 lower and higher primary schools operating with a severe shortage of teachers. Nagesh Nayak, the Block Education Officer (BEO) of Byndoor, stated that while arrangements are underway to provide 93 guest teachers, the actual requirement stands at 124. For schools with around 10 students, one guest teacher is provided, whereas schools with over 60 students receive two guest teachers. Nayak acknowledged that despite these measures, there is still room for improvement.
The acute shortage of teachers highlights the government’s lack of focus on addressing educational needs, leading to compromised learning conditions for students in these regions.