The recent teacher rationalization initiative in Dhamtari district has led to a positive shift, particularly for schools previously struggling with inadequate teaching staff. A total of 133 schools, out of 170 that had a single teacher, have now received additional educators. This move addresses the long-standing issue of teacher shortages in remote regions, where the absence of teachers significantly hampered the quality of education. The rationalization process has also resulted in the assignment of teachers to three primary and four middle schools that previously had no teachers. Furthermore, 111 high and higher secondary schools across the district now have dedicated teachers for mathematics and science subjects, enhancing the learning environment for students.
Following state government directives, the counseling of surplus teachers has been finalized, leading to the placement of new teachers in remote and single-teacher schools. This ensures that students in these areas receive quality education. Before the rationalization, the distribution of teachers was uneven, with some schools in the district having excess teachers compared to their enrollment, while remote schools faced a shortage. This imbalance had a detrimental effect on students’ academic progress. The absence of specialized teachers in subjects like mathematics, science, chemistry, and physics posed challenges for students in grasping these subjects. The district administration has successfully addressed this issue through the rationalization process.
Collector Abinash Mishra emphasized that the initiative has successfully provided teachers in 111 schools lacking mathematics and science teachers, with appointments based on subject requirements. The rationalization has effectively resolved teacher shortages in remote areas, including the South Magarlod Nagari block and the submerged zones. All the newly assigned teachers have joined their respective schools, creating a sense of optimism among local representatives, parents, and the student community. With the enhanced teaching staff, the existing educational challenges faced by students are expected to be resolved, contributing to an improvement in the overall quality of education.
At Atang Primary School, which had 121 students with only two teachers, three new teachers have been appointed. The Government Naveen Primary School Premnagar Atang, located 4 km from Kurud block headquarters, faced similar challenges, operating with only two teachers and relying on alternative arrangements. The school’s management, along with the sarpanch and parents, actively sought to address the teacher shortage. The government’s rationalization process has now resulted in the appointment of three new assistant teachers. This improvement has been met with enthusiasm from the school’s management committee, local leaders, and parents.