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Teacher shortage bogs Bhubaneswar slums' 49% govt schools: Odisha NGO survey

By A Representative 
Over 49% of Government Schools in Bhubaneswar slums struggle with teacher shortage, revealed a study on "status of school infrastructure in government schools'' conducted by the people's collective Bhubaneswar Bikash Sangathan (BBS) and NGO Atmashakti Trust. The study, which was conducted with 135 schools, found that many schools in the area are not complying with Right to Education (RTE) norms.
According to the study, over 49.61% (67) of government schools in Bhubaneswar slums face a shortage of teachers against the sanctioned number as per RTE norms. Moreover, 58.50% (79) of schools surveyed need class-appropriate classrooms, affecting students' learning outcomes. The report also found that 11% of schools in Bhubaneswar slums face water-related issues, with 3% having no access to drinking water facilities and 5% having damaged sources.
The survey report revealed that 1.48% of schools need toilet facilities, leading to irregular attendance, particularly for girls. Additionally, 5.18% of schools need separate toilets for boys and girls, and 2.22% of school toilets need more water facilities, making them unusable. The report also showed that 11.11% of schools lacked playgrounds, and 8.88% didn't have a boundary wall, which is crucial for student safety and well-being.
The study findings also show that 29.62% of schools lack a library, an essential resource for teaching and learning. Additionally, 27.40% of surveyed schools need computers, hindering students' access to new skills and more advanced versions of lessons. Further, 59.25% of schools need repairs, causing delays and difficulties for students and staff.
Members of the Bhubaneswar Bikash Sangathan have urging the government to implement a transparency board in schools to inform compliance with RTE norms. They also want the authorities to fulfil basic infrastructural requirements, initiate community-driven social Aaudits, and provide adequate funds to panchayats/ wards to meet infrastructural needs to address the issue.
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Click here for study report

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