Skip to content Skip to navigation

Teacher Surplus, Falling Enrolment Plague Nazira Primary Schools; RTI Reply Raises Questions

By SK Hasan |

Despite having nearly a thousand teachers on its rolls, as many as 319 Lower Primary (LP), Middle English (ME), and Middle English schools under the Nazira Primary Education Block are functioning with a total student enrolment of only 27,077, averaging about 84 students per school.

As per official norms, there should be one teacher for every 30 students. Based on this guideline, the total enrolment in the block would require approximately 903 teachers. However, nearly 1,200 teachers are currently posted across these schools, far exceeding the required number.

While schools located in urban and easily accessible areas reportedly have an excess number of teachers compared to student strength, many remote and peripheral schools continue to face an acute shortage of teaching staff. This uneven distribution has adversely affected the overall quality of education. Despite repeated claims and slogans of improvement by the government, the issue remains largely unaddressed.

At the same time, the steady decline in student enrolment in Assamese-medium government schools has emerged as a serious concern. Despite the government spending crores of rupees on infrastructure development and teachers’ salaries, the quality of education has shown little improvement. Consequently, many aware parents are reluctant to enrol their children in these schools. Notably, even teachers working in government schools reportedly prefer to send their own children to private institutions, highlighting the prevailing lack of confidence in the system.

In another significant development, an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, seeking details of funds allocated and utilised under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for these 319 schools during the previous year, received an unexpected response. The Nazira Block Elementary Education Office reportedly stated that it was unable to provide any information regarding fund allocation or expenditure.

The absence of such crucial financial records at the block office has raised serious questions about transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the department allegedly declined to provide school-wise data on student enrolment and teacher deployment, citing unspecified reasons, fuelling suspicions of deliberate suppression of information.

Observers say that due to such administrative lapses, government schools are steadily losing their educational standards and, in many cases, are functioning in a quasi-commercial manner rather than as service-oriented institutions. As a result, several government schools are being shut down. Continued reluctance by the authorities to share information and ensure transparency, even amid this decline, points towards deeper systemic irregularities within the education administration.

  • 36773 reads

Add new comment

Other Contents by Author

Tense Situation in Sivasagar’s Cherekapar Panchayat as Women Protest Exclusion from Schemes

In Cherekapar village of Sivasagar, a tense scene unfolded on Thursday as close to a hundred women gathered at the panchayat office and laid siege to it in protest. Their voices rose together, demanding justice and fairness in the distribution of government welfare benefits. The women said that despite the Chief Minister’s public assurance that every woman holding a government ration card would be covered under the Arunoday scheme, many who had long depended on its support suddenly found their names missing from the list. This sudden exclusion, without explanation, has left several families in distress and anger simmering across the community. What began as quiet frustration turned...

Two Assam Kids Shine in National Yoga Sports Competition, to Represent India in Malaysia

Two young athletes from Assam, Avanish Gogoi and Ruchank Konwar, have brought laurels to the state by securing top positions in the National Yoga Sports Competition held at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kochi, Kerala, on August 13–14. The event was organized by the World Fitness Federation of Yoga Sports. Avanish Gogoi clinched second position in the traditional yoga sports category for boys aged 5–9 years and also bagged the first position in the synchronized artistic team event. His teammate, Ruchank Konwar, secured fifth position in the same traditional category and also shared the first position in the synchronized team event. Both athletes train at Niramay Yoga Center,...

Allegations of Corruption in Road Construction at Lakshmijan of Nazira

The local residents of Lakshmijan in Nazira have raised allegations of corruption in the construction of a road in the area. The road, which is being built from the Geleky Lakshmijan Puja Mandap to the Assam-Nagaland border, has been criticized for its substandard quality. The contractor, identified as Borah, has been accused of carrying out the construction work without using any government-funded plaques. The local residents, led by the All Assam Adivasi Students' Association (AASA), have alleged that the contractor is working solely for personal gain, without adhering to the standard norms. The construction work has been halted due to the protests by the local residents, who are...

Bagless Day" Celebrated at Sanbasa Primary School of Nazira

As part of the "Bagless Day" initiative aimed at reducing the burden of school bags on students, the students of Sanbasa Primary School (No. 215) of Nazira organized a special market within the school premises on August 21. The market, which featured a variety of local products, was designed to provide students with practical life skills and a hands-on learning experience. The students showcased their entrepreneurial skills by selling various local products, including handicrafts and other items. The event was an excellent opportunity for the students to learn about commerce, teamwork, and financial literacy in a fun and interactive way. The "Bagless Day" initiative is part of a...

Massive Erosion by Dikhow River Threatens Nazira’s Bihubar and Simaulguri

Nazira, Aug 22: The Dikhow River continues to cause massive erosion in Nazira’s Bihubar and Simaulguri areas, leaving local residents in distress as land, property, and livelihoods remain under constant threat. In Bihubar Garumur Pujabasti, the erosion has intensified, yet the state government’s Water Resources Department has allegedly failed to respond despite repeated complaints. Locals have accused the department of negligence and warned that displacement of several families is imminent if urgent action is not taken. Adding to their concerns, residents alleged that illegal mining of stones and boulders in the Dikhow River has worsened the erosion problem. They demanded immediate...

Naga Encroachment Sparks Protest in Nazira: Congress Demands Immediate Action

Nazira, Aug 22: The Congress party staged a strong protest in Nazira today against alleged encroachment by Nagas in the Uriamghat and Naginimora areas along the Assam-Nagaland border. The sit-in demonstration, organized by the Nazira Block Congress at Gandhi Maidan, saw participation from key leaders including Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition and MLA from Nazira, and Ajay Kumar Gogoi, President of the Sivasagar District Congress Committee. The protesters raised slogans against the state government, accusing it of failing to safeguard Assam’s territory. They demanded immediate intervention to halt the alleged encroachment, warning that continued inaction could escalate...

Nazira villagers announce boycott of 2026 polls over govt neglect

In a dramatic move, residents of Ward No. 10 under Dulakakhoria Gaon Panchayat in Nazira, Sivasagar constituency, have announced that they will boycott the upcoming 2026 general election. The decision stems from what villagers allege is years of neglect by local authorities and elected representatives. The villagers said that despite repeated appeals, their problems remain unresolved. Artificial floods in the area have devastated trees and forests, creating an unhygienic and foul-smelling environment that poses serious health hazards. Accusing local authorities of indifference, the residents expressed disappointment with both Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi and Union Minister Pavithra...

Nazira hosts 3rd biennial conference of Mid-Day Meal Workers’ Union

The third biennial conference of the All Assam Mid-Day Meal Workers' Union, Sivasagar District Committee, was held on Saturday at Nazira Girls' Higher Secondary School. The event, attended by several state-level office bearers of the union, served as a platform for mid-day meal workers to raise their concerns and discuss the challenges they face in their work. Issues such as job security, wages, and welfare measures dominated the discussions. The conference also reconstituted the Sivasagar District Committee of the union and elected new representatives to the upcoming state conference. Addressing the gathering, state leaders of the union emphasized the need for unity and collective...

Celebrating Freedom: The 79th Independence Day in Nazira

The 79th Independence Day was a momentous occasion at Nazira, marked by grand celebrations and a deep sense of patriotism. The Nazira Co-District Administration organized the central program at the Nazira District Sports Association's playground, where Smt. Kanika, Commissioner of Nazira Co-District, hoisted the national flag as the chief guest. This solemn ceremony was a reminder of the country's struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by its freedom fighters. Before the flag hoisting ceremony, the Commissioner paid homage to the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence at the Gandhi Maidan. This poignant gesture served as a reminder of the...

Widow Turns E-Rickshaw Driver to Keep Family Going

In the village of Hahchara Latum in Sivasagar, Hunamai Konwar’s determination is turning heads and inspiring hearts. Six months after losing her husband, the widow stepped into his role behind the wheel of a battery rickshaw, determined to provide for her two children and elderly in-laws. With steady hands and unwavering spirit, Hunamai now ferries passengers across town — the same way her late husband once did. For her, it’s not just a livelihood; it’s a lifeline for her family and a message to women in her community: step forward, take charge, and never give in to despair. Her resilience has made her a role model in the area, encouraging other women to take up work — any work — that...