Lack of teachers affect education schemes in J&K

BILAL HUSSAIN

SRINAGAR, Mar 4: Highlighting the need for induction of more teachers in J&K, the latest evaluation study on Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA) in the state by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics reveals that the placement of teaching staff in the schools as per set norms had not kept pace with the opening and upgradation of schools as observed in case of sample schools.

The study mentions that on the scale of norms, the deficiency of staff in the sample schools was of the magnitude of 27 per cent which is quite large. The schools which were running in deficiency of staff were 67 per cent. In district Leh, the staff in the sample schools was in excess of norms, evidently involving cases of undesirable attachments left other schools suffer where from these attachments were made.

“The establishment of schools and their upgradation would in no way pave way for achievement of universalistic of primary and elementary education unless it is supported by placement of sufficient teaching staff,” the study said.

While examining the official data made available by the SSA authorities on the achievements made under the programme and reviewing the ground level situation of the interventions spelt-out in the SSA norms, it has come to light that SSA authorities had distinguished itself in establishing/upgrading schools.

However, the situation of other interventions such as interventions for children belonging to nomadic, Training of Community Leaders, provision for disabled children etc. “was very poor mainly due to poor weightage given to such interventions,” the sudy stresses. For all round development of the child universalistic of education and to improve the quality of education, the unattended interventions needs to be addressed for ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth , it suggests.

The drop outs among the 223 sample schools were aggregating to 131 from class I to Class VIII at the rate of 1.06 percent while calculating it on the basis of enrollment of children for the year 2008-09.

The inquiry conducted at the grass root level revealed that in most of the schools there were problems of accommodation, low staff, lack of kitchen for cooking Mid day meals, lack of drinking water/toilet facilities, furniture etc. besides delay in release of grants particularly at the level of ZEOs, the evaluations mentions.

“In most of the districts, the supervisions and inspections of schools by BRCs/CRCs/DIETs was very poor which needs to be addressed to impart quality education,” it said.

According to the study the main reason of the drop outs and “Out of School” children as put forth by the parents was their poor economic condition. This could be neutralized if proper sensitization and awareness about various economic incentives in-built in the scheme is given to the stakeholders including parents. The involvement of NGOs in the implementation of SSA is also stressed.

Some of the interventions are yet to be addressed. Undue emphasis to certain interventions at the cost of others have been observed,” it emphasizes.

Although a perceptible improvement of education facilities by opening of schools, in terms of enhancement of enrollment, reduction in drop-out rates at various levels have taken place but unattended interventions for attracting children belonging to SC/STs particularly nomadic and mentally disabled students, Residential Hostels for Girls, Training of Community Leaders, constitutions of innovation Cells needs to be addressed in a big way besides mobilization/involvement of all stakeholders in a missionary mode. Besides, the scheme needs to be implemented in convergence mode with other programmes of line departments.