Education takes a hit in absence of science teacher at BSS Rangpath

Kupwara, Jun 22: Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Rangpath, the serene facade of Rangpath Boys Secondary School (BSS) belies a mounting educational crisis at the educational institute.

Established under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in 2011, the school's journey has been marred by persistent staffing shortages that now pose an existential threat.

As classes commenced on April 15, Rangpath BSS embarked on the academic year without critical science teachers essential for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. With only 10 teachers in total and key positions such as headmaster, master grade 4, clerk, peon, and sweeper left unfilled, the school's ability to function effectively hangs in the balance.

In a desperate attempt to manage operations, the administration has turned to hiring local individuals on a contingent basis, compensating them with a meager stipend of Rs 300 per month to fill crucial roles as peons and sweepers. However, this temporary fix falls short of addressing the profound deficit in specialised education, raising alarming questions about the standard of learning provided to students.

Last year, amid a similar crisis, authorities deployed a class 4th staff member with a BSC in science to teach these vital subjects. Despite earnest efforts, academic progress languished, leaving parents disillusioned and advocating for timely intervention that could have salvaged educational outcomes.

Feeder schools such as UPS Kralpora, UPS Gujarnar, UPS Zagsundri, UPS Check Poran, and Middle School Kunel, which funnel students into Rangpath BHS, echo distressing accounts of staffing woes. This systemic issue has fueled mounting frustration within the community, where residents voice grievances over bureaucratic inertia and demand swift action to remedy critical educational deficiencies.

Local sentiment is palpable, with growing calls for immediate and decisive measures to expedite the recruitment process and restore Rangpath BSS to its rightful place as a bastion of educational excellence amidst the tranquil hills.

Meanwhile Incharge Cluster Head Iqbal Rasool told Greater Kashmir that since non-availability of a science teacher in the whole education zone, a class 4th employee with science background has been deputed at BSS Rangpath to teach science subject until permanent teacher is posted here.