Silvester D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network—Kundapur

Kundapur, Aug 23:  Udupi district, which leads in the education sector, is faced with a lack of facilities in schools, but the situation of teachers in Halthur School  of Ulthoor grama, Kundapur, is a unique one.

The school which was established in 1971 is 42 years old. A total of 60 students study from first standard to seventh standard with four teachers and three temporary teachers as staff.

Headmistress Shashikala has been working here from 2005 while assistant teacher Laxmi Devi has been here from 2010.

Teacher Divya B joined in 2011 while Ramakrishna Varna B who is on the rolls from 2007 has not taught a lesson since his appointment. The school development committee and education department have given him job security and a salary to the surprise of many.

The Problem:

Teacher Ramakrishna Varna is 53-years-old. He has been in service for the last 33 years but his countenance is that of one that is unstable. He is neither able to stand nor walk properly. He is not able to speak and hence he does not teach children say the other teachers in the school. Though the school development committee had objected to it, the teachers have found remedial measures which have enabled the incapable teacher to receive a salary. The teacher stands or sits along with the children when other teachers come to teach them.

Appointment of Two Teachers:

Verna has never taught for the last six years. Even if he goes to the classes, the children do not listen to him. The school development committee has also objected to his employment. The school has illegally appointed two lady teachers on a temporary basis. 

The teachers are being paid Rs 2,000 each through SDMC from the salary of Varna. Ramakrishna’s salary after deductions is Rs 30,000. The school has silenced the school development committee by employing two lady teachers paid from Ramakrishna’s salary.

Illegal:

Though the department is aware that a sick and unfit person is employed in the school by paying a hefty sum and has also illegally employed two temporary teachers, the department has not taken any action. This has angered the local people. When thousands of people are unemployed, Ramakrishna is still in service without seeking voluntary retirement.

He has been told to opt for transfer or voluntary retirement. 

Verna has postponed retirement thinking that he can get full retirement benefits if he retires next year.  “Children have no problem as two temporary teachers are employed in his place,” says Gopala Shetty, BEO, Kundapur. “I cannot teach. Children do not listen to me. So I have appointed two teachers,” says Verna.