In Dakshina Kannada district, a few permanent teachers at aided schools are pooling portions of their salaries to support honorary teachers, as these institutions struggle with long-pending vacancies and dwindling financial support. With government appointments stalled and grants delayed for years, staff and management are increasingly forced to improvise just to keep classrooms running.
Teachers fund salaries out of pocket
Across the district, many aided schools are operating with far fewer teachers than sanctioned. At Sri Krishna Vidyodaya Aided Higher Primary School in Kanatadka, Vittal, under the Bantwal BEO limits, headmaster Annappa Naik said he has been paying three honorary teachers from his own salary since 2024, after another permanent teacher retired. 'Every month I pay Rs 21,000 from my own salary to three honorary teachers. Another teacher is paid by the management. There are a total of 26 children this academic year and there is no other way than pooling money to keep the school running,' he said.
A similar situation exists at Majidia Dorme Aided Higher Primary School in Perne, where in-charge headmaster NVR Gopalakrishan Rao said he has been funding two honorary teachers for the past few years. 'There are no permanent teachers appointed nor guest teachers. In order to keep the school running, I decided to fund two teachers. The school currently has 14 students,' he said.
High retirement rates and school closures
Despite severe constraints, aided schools continue to attract admissions, particularly from middle-class and lower-income families who depend on affordable education close to home. According to a block education officer, nearly 90% of teachers in aided primary schools serving economically backward communities have retired, and many institutions are now dependent on guest faculty. Unable to sustain operations, at least 10 aided schools are shutting down every year, the officer said.
Mohiuddin Kutty, president of the SDMC coordination committee, said the effort is also aimed at preventing school closures that could force transfers of permanent teachers. 'If an aided school shuts, teachers must move to nearby schools, which is difficult for many in their 50s. This initiative is meant to protect both the school and existing posts,' he said.
