Education system in Malda criticised

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Sept. 25: Standing committee on education of state legislative assembly visited Malda district on 23 and 24 September and was unhappy with the system of education prevalent here.

After visiting two primary schools located at Tajpur and Jagajjibanpur in Habibpur, the committee headed by Mr Gurupada Dutta and other officials including the chairman of the district primary school council Mr Uttam Sarkar was upset with the shortage of teachers in the schools.

Mr Uttam Sarkar said that the problem arose as many teachers retired. Delay in recruitment too was a huge setback to the education system. The council was facing a shortage of atleast 2000 teachers in primary schools.

“Where there is only one teacher, we have placed another one on deputation for three months from any near by school. We have issued a standing order to depute another teacher immediately where only a single teacher is on duty”, he said.

According to Mr. Sarkar, the council is collecting information on the enrollment of students and teachers posted in each school to resolve the problem of shortage of teachers.

The standing committee has also opposed the ongoing system of mid-day meal being prepared in open air.

The committee has asked the administrative officials to complete the repair work of the kitchen so that mid-may meal could be cooked hygenically.

Non-implementation of sanitation and drinking water too are under scanner.

The committee also inquired about mid day meal project for upper primary students and cause for the delay in its implementation.