Sasaram: In Bihar’s schools, the distribution of teachers appears to defy the number of children needing them. Middle School Khanethi in Rohtas has 301 students but just six active teachers, while New Primary School Dubouli in Kaimur has four teachers for 18 students and Primary School in Nadokhar village has four teachers for only nine students.At Khanethi in Kargahar block, students from classes I to VIII are taught by six teachers handling Hindi and social science. They also cover science, mathematics, English and Sanskrit. With inadequate benches, desks and classrooms, many students sit on the floor. Students said the arrangement becomes particularly difficult during winter and the rainy season.A teacher said the lack of furniture was especially concerning for students in classes VI to VIII. “It may still appear manageable when younger children sit on the floor, but seeing older students, particularly girls, study in such conditions is not appropriate,” she said.The school also has three old rooms in a dilapidated condition with fears they could collapse. Headmaster Jaivansh Ram said the school management had repeatedly informed senior education officials in writing about the damaged rooms, shortage of teachers and inadequate benches and desks, but no concrete action had been taken.Kargahar block education officer Manoj Kumar Ram said officials had been informed about the shortage of benches and desks and the dilapidated rooms. On the shortage of subject teachers, he said appointments were made by the education department.The contrast is sharper in Kaimur. Dubouli has four teachers for 18 students — nine boys and nine girls — in a two-storey building. All 18 students stayed away from school on Tuesday alleging that headmaster Santosh Kumar made them collect dry wood for cooking the midday meal, fetch water and clean classrooms and the school premises instead of focusing on studies. Parents alleged he remained occupied with his cellphone, while children faced confiscation of schoolbags and, in some cases, physical assault if they refused. They further alleged rice meant for the midday meal was being sold.Santosh said the matter had been reported to the midday meal incharge and BDO-cum-incharge block education officer Ritu Ranjan Kumar. The BDO said the administration would investigate why the students stayed away and ascertain the facts behind the allegations. He said officials would meet the parents and appeal to them to send their children back to school. “If a written complaint is submitted, appropriate action will be taken after an inquiry,” Kumar said.In Nadokhar village of Kudra block, the govt has posted four teachers and a cook for just nine students. The school has a two-storey building with six rooms, a kitchen, combined urinal-latrine and playground facility.
