Tripura, 25 August 2016: A severe teacher shortage at Melaghar Netaji Vidyajyoti Boys’ School in Tripura has triggered anger among students and parents. Parents alleged that the school’s morning section is currently functioning with only three teachers, making it extremely difficult to conduct regular classes for the large number of students.
According to the protesting parents, the shortage has also forced the school to depend on ayahs to manage students, raising serious concerns about the quality of education and the children’s future.
Demanding the immediate appointment of adequate teaching staff, students and parents staged a road blockade at Netaji Choumuhani on the Melaghar–Agartala main road. They alleged that despite repeatedly bringing the issue to the attention of the concerned authorities, no permanent solution has been provided.
A protesting mother said that students arrive at around 6 a.m. and leave by 8 a.m., while questioning how several classes can be managed with only three teachers. Protesters demanded, “We need teachers.”
The blockade caused some disruption to traffic in the Netaji Choumuhani area. Police from Melaghar Police Station reached the spot and held discussions with the protesters. Following assurances from the police regarding steps toward resolving the issue, the parents and students eventually withdrew the blockade.
