Peerzada Ummer
Srinagar, Jun 30: Government schools in Kupwara, a frontier district in Kashmir, are facing a severe shortage of teaching staff, causing significant disruptions to students’ education and daily learning activities.
According to official reports, the district’s education system is grappling with multiple vacancies at various levels. Currently, 22 principal positions remain unfilled in higher secondary schools across Kupwara. Additionally, most headmaster posts in four high schools are vacant, leaving school administration and student fraternity in a precarious state.
The shortage extends to teaching staff as well. There is a deficit of 416 lecturers in higher secondary schools of Kupwara, which has resulted in students missing out on essential subject lessons, exam preparation, and academic guidance.
Furthermore, 543 teaching positions in different educational institutions throughout the district remain vacant, severely impacting the teaching-learning process.
Students and parents have expressed growing concerns over the ongoing staff shortages. “Our children’s education is suffering. Without teachers, it’s difficult for students to keep up with the curriculum or get their doubts clarified,” said Mohammad Sultan Mir, a local parent.
Official sources said that the letter pertaining to the scarcity of teaching staff has already been sent to the higher authorities and that the posting has to be done from there.
Meanwhile, the Kupwara education system recently came to limelight when reports emerged that 127 government schools in the district are without electricity while 142 lack access to safe drinking water. The reports at that time also highlight 79 government schools operating from rented accommodations.
