Teacher Shortage at Bhadrak School: Parents Demand Urgent Action to Protect Education

A significant teacher shortage at the Government Bantala Nodal UP School in Bhadrak has led to a disruption in classroom teaching, prompting parents to call for immediate action. With only three teachers for 84 students across nine classes, the quality of education is at risk. Parents are worried about their children's academic progress and have formally requested the hiring of additional teachers. The acting headmaster and school management committee are actively seeking solutions, while education officials acknowledge the issue and are working towards a resolution. This situation highlights the urgent need for educational support in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2026, 10:19 IST

Critical Teacher Shortage Disrupts Education in Bhadrak

By Bikash Kumar Dhal

Banta: The Government Bantala Nodal UP School in Bhadrak district is facing a significant teacher shortage, which has severely impacted classroom instruction. Parents are now calling for immediate action to protect their children's educational experience.

Although the school boasts adequate facilities, it is struggling to effectively manage its nine classes, ranging from pre-primary to Class VIII, with only three teachers available for 84 students. The institution, established in 1972, previously employed five teachers.

The situation deteriorated further when two teachers departed in September, leaving the remaining staff overwhelmed with their teaching duties. Currently, students from various grades are being taught in just three classrooms. For instance, one room accommodates 25 students from five different classes, including Sishu Vatika and Classes I to IV.

Another classroom is shared by 27 students from Classes V and VI, while the third room hosts 32 students from Classes VII and VIII. Parents are concerned that this arrangement is compromising the quality of education, as teachers struggle to provide individual attention to students across different grades.

There are worries that this shortage could hinder the academic progress of the children. Manoja Manjari Ojha, President of the school management committee, submitted a formal complaint to the Block Education Officer (BEO) on October 15, requesting the urgent hiring of additional teachers. Parent Manasi Rout emphasized that the lack of teachers is significantly affecting classroom instruction and urged authorities to act swiftly.

Kishore Rout, a former president of the school management committee and current head of the alumni committee, noted that the shortage has disrupted academic activities. He mentioned that they have raised the issue with the BEO in collaboration with the current committee president, seeking a lasting solution.

Acting headmaster Mihir Kumar Aich, who took charge on October 1, stated that his administrative duties limit his time for teaching. The two remaining teachers are also struggling to manage all nine classes. Aich believes that hiring two more teachers would alleviate the current challenges.

Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator (CRCC) Pradeep Palei remarked that the school has consistently upheld high educational standards. He has informed senior departmental officials about the shortage and urged them to expedite the hiring process for the necessary teachers.

Harekrushna Apat, the Additional Block Education Officer and District Inspector of Schools, acknowledged receipt of the committee president's complaint. He attributed the teacher shortage to the retirement of the headmaster and the transfer of another teacher. Apat assured that measures are being implemented to resolve the issue and ensure that students' education remains uninterrupted. He expressed optimism that the situation would be rectified soon.