STUDENTS of Atmanand School in Pendrawan staged a road blockade on Tuesday, marking the second such protest in five days over a shortage of teachers. The school has around 400 students from Classes 9 to 12 but only three teachers and one principal. Students say at least 17 teachers are needed to complete the syllabus properly. The students had staged a similar protest on August 21 on the Kheragarh-Dhamdha main road, which connects Bemetara and Dhamdha. Officials had reached the spot and assured them that their concerns would be addressed. However, by August 25, the shortage had not been resolved, prompting the students to return to the road. Students said they do not want to leave their classrooms and protest, but the lack of teachers is affecting their studies and future.

 

Some girl students also said they would speak only to the Collector or Education Minister regarding their demands. The students are also demanding that the open school system operating at the campus be stopped. They alleged that some teachers are assigned to open school classes, further reducing the staff available for regular students. The protest took place in Dhamdha area of Durg district, the home district of Education Minister Gajendra Yadav. Students said providing adequate teachers is the responsibility of the Education Department and they should not have to repeatedly take to the streets to demand basic educational facilities. Police and administrative officials had earlier intervened during the August 21 protest. The latest blockade again affected traffic on the busy route