Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Dec 24: Karnataka faces a pressing challenge in its education system, with only 8,895 science and math teachers available for 22 lac students studying in grades one to five.

Government data reveals a stark disparity in teacher allocation, as there are 81,979 Kannada teachers for the same number of students, while English teachers number merely 5,732.

The education department has attempted to address the shortage by hiring guest teachers. However, experts argue this is a temporary fix and not a sustainable solution. The scarcity of qualified teachers, particularly in rural areas, risks pushing schools towards closure.

The shortage of teachers has long-term consequences, frequently impacting SSLC exam results in several districts. Education experts emphasize that this issue begins at the primary school level, where a lack of teachers leaves foundational gaps in students' education.

Vasudeva Sharma, a children’s rights activist, voiced his concerns, stating, “Teaching in Kannada helps students understand concepts faster, but the lack of teachers disrupts their learning process. This is a systemic failure.

“When students are not taught essential concepts in primary school, it creates immense pressure in later classes. Without a strong foundation, students resort to rote memorization instead of understanding subjects naturally.

“Additionally, students are often forced to switch from Kannada to English medium after fifth or eighth grade, which is deeply harmful. This abrupt change leaves them struggling to adapt and learn effectively.”

Sharma added that recent government decisions, such as changes in policy that led to the reduction of nearly one lakh teachers, have further exacerbated the problem. “Mandatory education under RTI ends at grade eight, leaving students’ futures uncertain. Many teachers are discontented with the government’s decisions,” he said.
An official from the public education department stated, “There are 35,000 guest teachers catering to 21.8 lac students.”

Education experts, however, dismissed the heavy reliance on guest teachers, pointing out that this model is unreliable. Guest teachers often lack long-term commitment and may resign unexpectedly, making it difficult to ensure consistent and effective teaching.