A significant dialogue between Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh and government inter college/High School/Junior School teachers took place at the SCERT Auditorium in Dehradun. Over 500 teachers, along with key education officials, participated in this meet to discuss various challenges faced by schools across Uttarakhand. He welcomed and forwarded appointments to new office assistant in first session of the dialogue.
Key Issues Raised by Teachers
Infrastructure and Space Constraints
Government Inter College (GIC) from Badasi, Dwara, Jaspur, Dehradun expressed concerns over no space in Schools or PM SHREE Schools and requested additional rooms.
PM SHREE School in Kalsi faces hostel issues in the girls' school.
Manohar Lal, a teacher from Dharchula, highlighted building-related issues in his school.
Atal School, Sundarpur, Bageshwar, appreciated efforts but pointed out that food is not provided for all kids and that the school lacks a playground.
A teacher from Nainidanda requested a smart board for digital learning.
Kapkot School struggles with virtual classes due to a lack of rooms and proper infrastructure.
Books, Technology, and Classroom Shortages
A teacher from Bahru, Champawat mentioned no book bank, lack of classrooms, no smart boards, and electrification issues. Additionally, their school falls under D-category buildings, making it unsafe for students.
A teacher from GGIC Lakhibagh, Dehradun highlighted issues with Sanskrit books not being provided by officials. She also mentioned that more students are enrolled, but fewer teachers are available.
A teacher from GIC Dobhalwala stressed the need for science subjects to be properly divided for efficient learning.
Disaster management books and window glass replacements were requested.
Schools lack computer teachers, home science, music teachers, and moral science subjects, creating a major gap in education quality.
Technology integration, including projectors and starboards, was requested for enhanced learning experiences.
Teacher-Related Concerns
Vocational education teachers raised concerns about the IT subject needing better faculty and resources.
Interregional transfer issues were brought up, as the court had previously halted such transfers, but Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh assured resolution in coordination with Chief Minister Dhami.
Journey leave provisions and officials being unavailable for duty assignments were also mentioned.
Teacher appointments were discussed, with 2500 BRP/CRP appointments and 1500 LT teachers joining soon. Additionally, 600 lecturers are undergoing examinations conducted by the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission.
Government Response and Assurances
Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh listened to all grievances and assured solutions in a calm and composed manner.
MLA Umesh Kau Sharma addressed the gathering, appreciating the efforts of the education department and supporting solutions for teachers.
Director of Secondary Education, Dr. Mukul Sati, assured teachers that their concerns would be prioritized.
The minister also announced that every block in Uttarakhand will have a meeting with the education minister to address specific school concerns.
Officials Present at the Dialogue
The meet was attended by several key education officials, including:
Director Dr. Mukul Sati, Director Secondary education
Ajay Naudiyal, Director Elementary education
Pradeep Rawat, Additional Director SCERT
Kanchan Devradi, Additional Director Garhwal Mandal
Teacher Union Leaders Ram Singh Chauhan and Ramesh Painuily
Officials from SCERT, Directorate, and SIEMAT
The dialogue served as an important platform for teachers to voice their concerns, and the education department assured prompt action on the raised issues. With upcoming appointments and infrastructural developments, schools in Uttarakhand are expected to see improvements in the near future.