Major Irregularities Uncovered in Village Schools During State Inspection

A recent inspection of village schools has unveiled a troubling array of irregularities in the functioning of educational institutions. The inspection, conducted by officers tasked with assessing school operations, highlighted significant discrepancies attributed to negligent teachers and inadequate oversight.

While commendable improvements have been observed in several schools due to the dedication of some teachers, the revelations from others paint a dismal picture of systemic issues. The following key concerns have come to light:

1. Fake Attendance Records

In numerous schools, administrators and teachers have been found falsifying attendance records. Official logs indicate that over 50% of students are present, but ground reality shows attendance falling well below this mark.

2. Inflated Enrollments and Irregular Attendance

Certain schools display a stark mismatch between student enrollment and regular attendance. Many students, though formally enrolled in government schools, are believed to be attending private institutions or coaching centers instead. They only return to government schools during examinations to maintain a semblance of compliance.

3. Lack of Teacher Engagement

Reports reveal that some teachers prioritize marking attendance over conducting classes. These educators show little interest in actual teaching, undermining the quality of education delivered to students.

4. Absentee Teachers

A disturbing trend of teachers leaving school premises during working hours has surfaced. These individuals attend personal errands during the day, returning only to ensure their attendance records remain intact. Such practices reflect gross negligence in their duties.

5. Proximity and Professional Lapses

Teachers posted in schools near their homes reportedly spend minimal time teaching, often treating the job as a formality. Their failure to engage meaningfully with students is yet another blow to the integrity of the education system.

Despite detailed guidelines for school inspections issued through departmental letters (No. 76/GO and No. 79/GO), the inspection process remains riddled with errors. Inspecting officers have failed to flag these issues to the District Education Officer (DEO), allowing these practices to continue unchecked. Allegations of complicity among inspecting officers further deepen the crisis.

In response to these revelations, the department has issued a stern warning to all District Education Officers and inspecting officials. Negligence in future inspections will result in severe disciplinary actions, including suspension, departmental inquiries, or dismissal. The DEOs have been held directly accountable for any continued lapses under their jurisdiction.

The findings underscore the urgent need for reforms to restore accountability and credibility in the education system. The government is expected to introduce stricter monitoring mechanisms and take decisive action against those undermining the state’s educational goals.