Teachers shortage hits government schools in East Godavari

Kakinada: The government schools are facing a severe shortage of teachers in several subjects including the core subjects like English, Science and Mathematics. Though Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is keen on promoting English medium schools in government sector, there were no sufficient teachers to teach the subjects in English. Some Telugu medium teachers have been trained for teaching in English medium schools.

According to Education department sources, nearly 800 teachers required for the government schools including English medium schools.

UTF Audit Committee Chairman S Satthiraju said though the High Court issued orders to fill vacant teachers posts, it was remained only on the paper.

The district has 452 government high schools. Earlier, the government ratified 421 schools and employed additional teachers. After launching of Amma Vodi scheme by the Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, thousands of students from poor and middle-class families, joined in government schools. "Now, it is difficult to get the desired results with this skeletal staff," said S Satthiraju.

Last year on October 31, the government released a notification to fill teachers posts. But due to election notification, the selection process of teachers was postponed.

Now, the officials requested the Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy to hasten the process of teachers' appointments keeping view of students' welfare.

As Dasara vacation is going to be started from September 28, the appointments maybe delayed. Hence without teachers, the Class X students will not be trained properly in core subjects Science, Maths and English.

District Education Officer S Abraham said the district needs 625 teachers. Stating that the government has already declared the merit list and completed certificates verifications, he said a case was pending in the court over the issue.

He said over 800 teachers were given promotions and some more would get promotions by September-end.