Koraput: Following the poor performance of students from residential schools run by the SC and ST development department in the recent High School Certificate (HSC) examinations, the Rayagada district administration has initiated steps to improve academic standards and strengthen student welfare measures across the district’s residential institutions.
Review Meeting Identifies Issues
A high-level review meeting chaired by Rayagada collector Ashutosh Kulkarni was recently held with departmental officials, headmasters and hostel superintendents to identify reasons behind the unsatisfactory results and formulate corrective measures. During the meeting, teachers highlighted an acute shortage of teaching staff in proportion to the number of students, which they said has adversely affected classroom teaching. They further pointed out that teachers are frequently engaged in non-academic duties such as government assignments, hostel management and health monitoring activities, leaving limited time for regular teaching.
“Education standards can improve significantly if teachers are allowed to focus solely on academic responsibilities,” officials pointed out at the meeting.
Measures to Address Shortages
The administration discussed the appointment of guest teachers to address the shortage of faculty in residential schools. In addition, attendants and support staff will be recruited for Sevashram institutions. The district administration has also decided to urge the departmental secretary to create posts for female health workers in boys’ hostels alongside male wardens.
HSC Results Highlight Concerns
The concern over academic performance gained significance after the recent HSC examination results revealed a disappointing outcome for the district’s residential schools. Of the 3,378 students who appeared for the Class X board examination, around 280 secured less than 60 per cent marks, while 46 students failed. Notably, no student secured an A1 grade and only four students obtained A2 grades.
In response, the district administration has set an ambitious target for every residential school to ensure that at least five students secure A1 grades in the next Class X board examinations.
Mission Mode Implementation
“The initiative will be implemented in mission mode with a special focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy,” the collector said. “To improve classroom learning, schools will be provided with additional teaching-learning materials and activity-based educational kits. Plans are also underway to improve residential facilities for teachers and create child-friendly play areas for younger students under the early childhood education programme,” he added.
Health and Nutrition Focus
The collector further directed officials to conduct regular health check-ups of hostel students and intensify malaria prevention measures. Schools have been asked to ensure the use of neem-based oil preparations and medicated mosquito nets during monsoon. Emphasis was also laid on strict implementation of government-prescribed menu to provide nutritious food to students and support their overall health and academic performance.
Rayagada district has 149 residential schools, providing accommodation and education to nearly 48,500 students. The administration’s comprehensive approach aims to turn around the academic performance of these institutions through targeted interventions in staffing, infrastructure, health, and nutrition.
