Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 29: As coronavirus impact has been tapering off, the government departments are discussing the possibility of opening schools in full. Classes from 6th standard have already begun. Only standards 1 to 5 have not been opened. By the second week of October, these classes too may be opened. But the department faces an acute shortage of teachers.

Commissioner in the department of education, Dr Vishal, held a meeting with private school managements association on September 27.He also assured them that classes 1 to 5 will be opened by the second week of October. People are enthusiastic about reopening of schools as the effect of coronavirus is dwindling and the children are deprived of valuable knowledge. However, the problem of teachers shortage is a serious impediment with which even education minister, B C Nagesh, concurs.

With shortage of 45,000 teachers in primary schools and over 8,000 in high schools, will the education-deprived students be able to get quality education, is a pertinent question.

The admissions so far have been about 95 percent in case of government schools and 108 percent in case of aided schools. This time, two lac more students than usual have got admission into government schools. While it is good that the classes are being opened, unless the children get good quality education, the very purpose will not be served. For that to happen, the shortage of teachers has to be addressed. Only time will tell how far the teachers will be able to cope with the challenges before them.