Binod Prasad
Lohardaga
Lohardaga MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Wednesday inspected the Eklavya Residential School at Kisko following complaints from villagers and expressed concern over the acute shortage of teachers and administrative issues affecting students.
Villagers told Bhagat that four Class-IV employees—Somaya Devi, Shakuntala, Neelmani Oraon and Virendra Oraon—who had worked at the school for nearly a year, were removed and replaced by outsiders. The MP directed the principal to ensure their immediate reinstatement and sought action against those responsible if the removals violated rules.
The Kisko school has 25 sanctioned teaching posts, but none is currently filled. Several non-teaching posts are also vacant. At Pesrar Eklavya School, only six teachers are working against 25 sanctioned posts, with staff reportedly handling responsibilities for both institutions.
Bhagat was informed that Kisko has 111 students against 240 sanctioned seats, while Pesrar has 184. Shortage of classrooms and infrastructure has also forced some students to continue attending their previous schools.
Bhagat said the schools were established for tribal children and stressed that teacher shortages were jeopardising their education. He directed authorities to take immediate corrective measures.
He said he would meet Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and seek a review of all Eklavya schools in Lohardaga.
