4 teachers for 700 students: Education crisis deepens in Assam school, authorities urged to intervene

Despite government efforts to strengthen the education system by recruiting teachers through the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), a severe shortage of teaching staff continues to hamper learning in several schools, leaving students deprived of quality education.

Kotamoni MV School, located in the Kotamoni area under the Patharkandi constituency, Assam stands as a stark example of the crisis. For years, the school has been functioning without a head teacher. Out of the nearly 20 teachers required for its 700 students, only four are currently serving, each juggling classes across eight separate classrooms.

Recently, the district education department appointed four additional teachers to address the shortfall, but only two assumed their posts. Compounding the problem is a severe lack of infrastructure—students are crammed six to a bench, despite a government directive limiting it to four per bench due to extreme heat conditions.

The acting head teacher expressed deep concern, stating, “In such circumstances, it is impossible to provide proper education to the students.”

The school’s management committee has issued an emotional appeal to the Chief Minister and Education Minister to urgently address the staffing crisis and provide underprivileged children the opportunity to receive a quality education and grow into responsible citizens.