Jharkhand, a state often lauded for its mineral wealth, finds itself grappling with a deep-rooted educational crisis. The latest Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report for 2022-23, released by the Union Ministry of Education, has unveiled a grim reality: 7,642 government schools in the state are being run by just one teacher each. These single-teacher schools cater to the educational needs of 3.78 lakh students, spanning all grades and subjects, raising serious concerns about the quality of education being imparted.
The Burden of Single-Teacher Schools
The prevalence of single-teacher schools, particularly in rural and remote areas, reflects systemic issues in Jharkhand’s educational infrastructure. Teachers in these schools juggle multiple roles—teaching all subjects, managing administration, and maintaining records—leaving little room for focused academic engagement. This overwhelming burden impacts not just the teachers but also the students, whose learning outcomes are significantly compromised.
Zero-Enrollment Schools
Compounding the crisis is the existence of 370 schools with zero enrollment, where no students are registered. Despite this, 1,368 teachers remain employed in these institutions. This raises critical questions about resource allocation, oversight, and the efficiency of administrative mechanisms. The mismatch between educational infrastructure and actual enrollment underscores the urgent need for a systematic audit and realignment of resources.
Student-Teacher Ratio
Jharkhand’s student-teacher ratio (PTR) paints a bleak picture:
Jharkhand PTR: 1 teacher for 35 students.
National PTR Standard: 1 teacher for 30 students.
National Average: 1 teacher for 27 students.
This glaring disparity places Jharkhand among the worst-performing states, surpassed only by Bihar, where the PTR is 1:42. The situation is even more dire in schools with limited staff, as teachers are stretched thin, further hampering the quality of education.
Teachers Per School
Jharkhand averages only five teachers per school, falling short of the national average of six. While states like Meghalaya boast an impressive 10 teachers per school, Jharkhand’s figure is low beyond par.
High Dropout Rates
The dropout rates in Jharkhand schools are alarmingly high, particularly at the secondary level:
These figures highlight a troubling trend: as students progress through school, the likelihood of dropping out increases significantly. Poor infrastructure, inadequate teacher availability, and socio-economic challenges are key contributors.
Gross Enrollment Ratio
The gross enrollment ratio (GER) in Jharkhand also reflects inconsistencies across different educational stages:
Foundational Level: 30 per cent
Middle Level: 83 per cent
Secondary Level: 41 per cent
While middle-level enrollment appears promising, foundational and secondary levels lag far behind, signalling a need for targeted interventions.
As Jharkhand continues to navigate its educational challenges, the need for decisive action cannot be overstated. The UDISE+ report is not just a documentation of statistics but a call to action for state and central governments to ensure that every child in Jharkhand receives access to quality education—a fundamental right that lays the foundation for a brighter future.
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