North Lakhimpur: A century and half year-old lower primary school in Dhakuakhana sub-division of Lakhimpur district is grappling with an acute shortage of teachers, leading to a severely skewed Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR).
Established in 1872, No. 31 Kopohuwa Lower Primary School, located in Jiyamoria village, currently has just three teachers for a total enrolment of 96 students. The school runs classes from I to V.
According to the norms prescribed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UDISE+ 2023–24 data framework, the recommended PTR is 30:1 at the primary level, while for the preparatory stage (Classes III to V), the ideal ratio is 13:1. Against these benchmarks, the PTR at Kopohuwa LP School is significantly disproportionate.
The school is presently managed by a headmaster-in-charge and two assistant teachers. One of the three educators is a tutor appointed on a contractual or fixed-pay basis to support curriculum delivery. Adding to the concern, two of the regular teachers are nearing retirement, which could further aggravate the staffing crisis.
Parents and local residents have repeatedly demanded the appointment of additional teachers to ensure effective classroom instruction and reduce the widening gap in the teacher-pupil ratio. Recently, students, parents and villagers staged a demonstration in front of the school, seeking the immediate posting of at least two TET-qualified teachers.
The protest was organised with the support of the school management committee, which stated that several representations had already been submitted to the Inspector of Schools, Lakhimpur, the Block Elementary Education Officer of Dhakuakhana, and the Lakhimpur District Commissioner. However, no action has been taken so far.
Local residents said the continued shortage of teachers in such a historic institution undermines the quality of foundational education in the area and urged the authorities to intervene at the earliest.