Hubballi: As many as 1,080 government teacher posts remain vacant in Dharwad district, creating a severe shortage that has disrupted the smooth functioning of education. In primary schools, 939 posts are unfilled, while 144 posts are vacant in high schools.
Impact on Teachers and Students
Teachers are burdened with multiple responsibilities, including non-teaching duties such as coordinating mid-day meals, data entry for government student tracking portals like SATS, and other administrative tasks. Consequently, students are lagging behind in their studies. The education department attempted to bridge the gap by appointing guest teachers, but permanent vacancies remain unfilled.
Rural Areas Worst Affected
Schools in rural areas are facing the brunt of the shortage. In Navalgund, 191 posts are vacant; Dharwad rural has 200 vacancies; Dharwad city has 59; Hubballi rural has 187; Hubballi city has 134; Kundgol has 141; and Kalghatagi has 162. According to department sources, there are 580 sanctioned primary teacher posts and 112 high school posts. The demand is to fill around 376 primary school posts and 40 high school posts. However, the state department has provided only 554 guest teachers in the district.
Demands for Permanent Recruitment
Ashok Sajjan, former president of the teachers association, told TOI that former education minister Madhu Bangarappa was informed about filling 15,000 teacher posts in the state, which was also approved by the finance department. He emphasized that the shortage of teachers will hinder students' education, especially in rural schools. While guest teachers may temporarily fill the gap, permanent posts should be filled urgently.
Fakkirayya Hiremath, president of the SDMC of Government HPS Chalamatti, stated that two teacher posts have recently become vacant. If teachers are not provided, schools will face problems, and students will suffer. Teachers are already managing multiple classes and non-teaching work. He urged the government to fill all vacant posts at the earliest.
Department Response
Umesh Bommakkanavar, DDPI of Dharwad, said that 554 guest teachers have been provided to schools, with 117 teachers allocated to Hubballi. A proposal has been sent to fill the vacant posts in the district.
