Ludhiana: Tension is palpable in government schools across Ludhiana as teachers grapple with the added burden of census duties amidst a severe heatwave. Educators appear visibly exhausted, with frayed nerves and reluctance to address student queries. The timing of the census work, coinciding with peak summer, has exacerbated their distress.
Teachers Overwhelmed by Dual Responsibilities
Following a series of warnings from the administration about strict action, teachers feel that raising concerns is futile, deepening their sense of helplessness and frustration. Speaking to TOI, many recounted the ordeal of traveling long distances from their schools and homes to designated duty areas, often in extreme heat.
According to the teachers, they have been instructed to perform census duties either before or after school hours to maintain the educational schedule. However, they assert that balancing both responsibilities simultaneously is unfeasible. Several teachers mentioned that the workload per individual is beyond capacity, as they are expected to cover a large number of buildings, houses, and areas.
Long Distances and Heat Compound Crisis
The long distances only worsen the crisis. One government school teacher stated, "The total distance from my house to the duty area is around 18 kilometers, and from the school it is about 12 kilometers. Our school operates in the evening shift. It is very difficult for me and my colleagues to balance both duties at the same time."
Another teacher explained the toll of working in temperatures reaching around 40 degrees Celsius. "Given that we can conduct the census only after school hours, we perform this duty after 12 pm. This is peak heatwave time when exposure is ill-advised and harmful," the teacher added.
Education Takes a Backseat
As teachers are consumed by census duties, education is playing second fiddle, according to school heads and principals. A government school principal noted, "A number of employees from my school have been appointed to these duties. My school works in double shifts, and every day, employees are occupied with census tasks. Only a few with medical or urgent personal reasons have been exempted."
Union Plans Meeting to Address Issues
Union leaders are planning a meeting to discuss the challenges faced by teachers. Rupinder Pal Singh Gill, district general secretary of the Democratic Teachers Front (DTF), said, "The union will plan a meeting regarding this on Sunday. Several teachers have submitted requests seeking changes in the census duty schedule in accordance with routine school duties. However, authorities have not yet responded to their requests."
