Massive teacher shortage hits Bengaluru government schools
Bengaluru's government schools are facing a severe teacher shortage as a large number of educators have been assigned Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties. At a primary school in Kaval Byrasandra with over 300 students, 10 out of 11 teachers, including the principal, have been deployed for SIR work, leaving just one teacher to manage the entire student body.
Impact on daily operations and learning
The absence of teachers has disrupted regular classes and administrative functions. Parents have expressed concern over the quality of education and safety of their children. According to a source from the school, the lone teacher is struggling to maintain discipline and cover the syllabus. The situation is similar in many other government schools across the city, where SIR duties have pulled teachers away from their primary responsibilities.
What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duty?
SIR duty is a state government initiative aimed at providing extra academic support to students in need, but its implementation has diverted teachers from their regular posts. The Department of Public Instruction has assigned teachers to conduct revision classes and assessments for students in other schools, often leading to a shortage in their own institutions.
Official response and future steps
Officials from the Department of Public Instruction acknowledged the issue but stated that SIR duties are temporary and necessary for improving overall educational outcomes. They assured that arrangements would be made to minimize disruption, including deploying substitute teachers. However, no concrete timeline has been provided for the return of the assigned teachers.
As the academic year progresses, the strain on remaining staff is expected to increase, potentially affecting student performance and school management. The incident highlights the challenges faced by government schools in balancing administrative duties with core teaching responsibilities.
