Kalpana Chawla PMC School Highlights Crisis with Only 3 Teachers for 250 Students, No Principal
Parents of students enrolled in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) schools are expressing growing concerns over the acute shortage of teachers, significantly impacting the quality of education provided. The Kalpana Chawla PMC School in Dattawadi, Sarita Nagri, Sinhagad Road, has emerged as a stark example, with a mere three teachers tasked with educating 250 students, without a principal overseeing operations.
As the new academic session approaches, parents have raised their voices in protest, urging authorities to swiftly appoint the required eight faculties, including a principal, to ensure uninterrupted learning for the students.
Vinod Suryawanshi, representing the parents, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Students eagerly enter school premises, but the severe shortage of teachers hampers their educational journey. Despite numerous vacancies, the authorities have shown little effort in filling these positions, jeopardizing the academic progress of our children.”
An anonymous PMC school teacher revealed the prolonged vacancies across all PMC schools, lamenting the lack of action from the education department to address the issue. The discontent among educators further underscores the urgency of the matter.
Sunil More, president of the BJP Teachers’ Cell, expressed dismay over the dire situation, highlighting approximately 300 vacant teaching positions in municipal schools. He warned of potential protests if the necessary appointments are not made promptly.
Sunanda Wakhare, PMC’s education officer, assured that the recruitment process for teachers is underway and affirmed the imminent availability of teaching and non-teaching staff, along with progress in appointing a principal.
In addition to addressing the current shortage, teachers have demanded the renewal of contracts for English medium schools, stressing the importance of maintaining these educational avenues for families who cannot afford private schooling. Allegations of collaboration between PMC officials and private school owners to undermine government schools have further fueled concerns among educators.
