India's teacher shortage has come under sharp focus after fresh data presented in Parliament revealed that more than 1.08 lakh schools across the country are functioning with just one teacher. According to the Union Minister of State for Education, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of single-teacher schools, followed by Jharkhand and Maharashtra. While the national pupil-teacher ratio appears favorable on paper, the latest figures expose significant regional disparities in teacher availability.

1 Lakh Schools, One Teacher Each? Parliament Data Exposes India's Teacher Crisis | GRAVITAS 

India's education system is under fresh scrutiny after the Central Government revealed that more than 1 lakh schools across the country are functioning with just one teacher. Responding to a question in Parliament, the Ministry of Education disclosed that 1,08,043 schools currently operate with only a single teacher, highlighting the scale of teacher shortages in several states.

According to the official data, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of single-teacher schools, followed by Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. At the other end of the spectrum, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Ladakh, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Kerala reported the fewest such schools.

Teacher Shortage Exposed: Over 1 Lakh Schools Run by a Single Teacher

Students in Washington DC&nbsp;will now have the opportunity to learn about the Sikh community, as the District of Columbia State Board of Education has voted in favour of including Sikhism, or Sikhi, in the school curriculum.

This decision aligns Washington DC&nbsp;with 17 other states in the US&nbsp;that have recognised the importance of accurately representing Sikhism in their social studies standards for public schools, reported the Free Press Journal.

<h2>Expanding educational horizons</h2>

The new social studies standards will introduce Sikhism to approximately 49,800 students in Washington DC, enabling them to gain insights into the rich culture and traditions of the Sikh community, as stated by the Sikh Coalition.

This development is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, combating bigotry, and reducing bullying in schools.

Also watch |&nbsp;US Treasury secretary calls for closer ties with China and climate cooperation

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By increasing baseline cultural competency and decreasing ignorance, these inclusive and accurate standards benefit all students.

Harman Singh, the Sikh Coalition Education Director, welcomed&nbsp;this announcement, highlighting the crucial role of inclusive and accurate standards in combating discrimination and fostering acceptance, reported the Free Press Journal.&nbsp;Singh emphasised&nbsp;that these standards not only benefit Sikh students but also provide all students with a foundation of understanding and respect for different cultures and faiths.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-monsoon-mayhem-submerges-parts-of-indias-north-at-least-12-dead-so-far-613612">&nbsp;Monsoon mayhem submerges parts of India's north; at least 12 dead so far</a>

<h2>A nationwide effort</h2>

The inclusion of Sikhism in the curriculum extends beyond Washington DC. In April of this year, the Virginia State Board of Education also voted in favour of incorporating Sikhism into their History and Social Science Standards of Learning.

With these recent efforts, over 25 million students across the United States now have the opportunity to receive a more comprehensive and inclusive education.

The Sikh Coalition recognises the importance of these developments in promoting a greater understanding of Sikhism and its contributions to American society.

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Students in Washington DC will now have the opportunity to learn about the Sikh community, as the District of Columbia State Board of Education has voted in favour of including Sikhism, or Sikhi, in the school curriculum.

Students in Washington DC will now have the opportunity to learn about the Sikh community, as the District of Columbia State Board of Education has voted in favour of including Sikhism, or Sikhi, in the school curriculum. This decision aligns Washington DC with 17 other states in the US that have recognised the importance of accurately representing Sikhism in their social studies standards for public schools, reported the Free Press Journal. Expanding educational horizons The new social studies standards will introduce Sikhism to approximately 49,800 students in Washington DC, enabling them to gain insights into the rich culture and traditions of the Sikh community, as stated by the Sikh Coalition. This development is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, combating bigotry, and reducing bullying in schools. Also watch | US Treasury secretary calls for closer ties with China and climate cooperation By increasing baseline cultural competency and decreasing ignorance, these inclusive and accurate standards benefit all students. Harman Singh, the Sikh Coalition Education Director, welcomed this announcement, highlighting the crucial role of inclusive and accurate standards in combating discrimination and fostering acceptance, reported the Free Press Journal. Singh emphasised that these standards not only benefit Sikh students but also provide all students with a foundation of understanding and respect for different cultures and faiths. Also read | Monsoon mayhem submerges parts of India's north; at least 12 dead so far A nationwide effort The inclusion of Sikhism in the curriculum extends beyond Washington DC. In April of this year, the Virginia State Board of Education also voted in favour of incorporating Sikhism into their History and Social Science Standards of Learning. With these recent efforts, over 25 million students across the United States now have the opportunity to receive a more comprehensive and inclusive education. The Sikh Coalition recognises the importance of these developments in promoting a greater understanding of Sikhism and its contributions to American society. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Washington DC embraces Sikhism in school curriculum for inclusive education

The New Zealand government has decided to teach school students about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/climate-change-hits-india-much-work-needs-to-be-done-262038">climate crisis</a>, activism and 'eco-anxiety', New Zealand media reports.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/polar-bear-invasion-how-climate-change-is-forcing-them-to-change-their-hunting-habits-197555">Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits</a>

This positive and developmental change to the school education curriculum will put the country at the forefront of climate crisis education worldwide.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Access to materials from leading science agencies about the climate crisis will be provided to all schools in New Zealand.

These include processing their feelings such as anxiety regarding global warming and instruments for planning their own activism to students.

This initiative will put New Zealand a step ahead over other countries in case of educating its citizens regarding changes in climate.

It is noteworthy that both Australia and the United Kingdom have been condemned about the lack of consistency in the climate crisis.&nbsp;

According to the government, this scheme will be offered in all schools of New Zealand to the students between 11 to 15 years of age.&nbsp;

However, it will not be mandatory.&nbsp;

''As per the feedback received from the teachers all across the country, the children are genuinely interested in educating themselves on matters related to climate change'', said James Shaw, New Zealand's minister for climate change.

In 2019, many students in New Zealand left their classes to protest against climate change.

The youngsters expressed that they felt that the older generations had a passive attitude regarding climate change and that they had deserted the "existential threat".

This became a cause of their concern and made them feel anxious and depressed about their future.

The purpose behind providing these materials, which will include tips from experts and both audio-visual aids as well, will also keep a check on these emotions and will make them introspect and ponder regarding the steps they take when they look for solutions.

Creating an edible garden is a specific environmental issue that will be emphasized in this program.

New Zealand had encountered its fourth warmest year in 2019 since 1909 where the temperature ranged between 0.5C to 1.2C which was higher than the average annual across the countries.

The New Zealand government has decided to teach school students about the climate crisis, activism and 'eco-anxiety', New Zealand media reports. Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits This positive and developmental change to the school education curriculum will put the country at the forefront of climate crisis education worldwide.

The New Zealand government has decided to teach school students about the climate crisis, activism and 'eco-anxiety', New Zealand media reports. Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits This positive and developmental change to the school education curriculum will put the country at the forefront of climate crisis education worldwide. Watch: Access to materials from leading science agencies about the climate crisis will be provided to all schools in New Zealand. These include processing their feelings such as anxiety regarding global warming and instruments for planning their own activism to students. This initiative will put New Zealand a step ahead over other countries in case of educating its citizens regarding changes in climate. It is noteworthy that both Australia and the United Kingdom have been condemned about the lack of consistency in the climate crisis. According to the government, this scheme will be offered in all schools of New Zealand to the students between 11 to 15 years of age. However, it will not be mandatory. ''As per the feedback received from the teachers all across the country, the children are genuinely interested in educating themselves on matters related to climate change'', said James Shaw, New Zealand's minister for climate change. In 2019, many students in New Zealand left their classes to protest against climate change. The youngsters expressed that they felt that the older generations had a passive attitude regarding climate change and that they had deserted the "existential threat". This became a cause of their concern and made them feel anxious and depressed about their future. The purpose behind providing these materials, which will include tips from experts and both audio-visual aids as well, will also keep a check on these emotions and will make them introspect and ponder regarding the steps they take when they look for solutions. Creating an edible garden is a specific environmental issue that will be emphasized in this program. New Zealand had encountered its fourth warmest year in 2019 since 1909 where the temperature ranged between 0.5C to 1.2C which was higher than the average annual across the countries.

Climate crisis to be part of school education in New Zealand

&ldquo;Sorry Mom,&rdquo; wrote a student, Sai Deepthi of class 9 in Hyderabad and hanged herself to death. She was led to take this drastic step after her school called her out from the class and did not allow her to write the exams due to non-payment of school fees.

&nbsp;

Most of us would feel sorry for her and for her parents but what would we do beyond feeling sorry? At best, we will give her a few more columns like the present one and after that reduce her to another statistic &ndash; Suicide # 4 &ndash; just like we reduced the other three suicides before hers. What beyond this?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Principal and teachers declared &lsquo;responsible&rsquo; for abetting her suicide have been put behind bars and will, thankfully, soon come out on bail. But the owners of the school, the ones who actually drove the staff towards such actions are not even brought under scrutiny. The government of Telangana which rode to power driving the promise of providing free education from KG to PG is not even questioned. What, if anything, has it done about the past suicides in the state is not even asked. That a person no less than the Chief Justice of India (in 2016) Justice TS Thakur, in a case in Supreme Court, castigated the government for, possibly, working in connivance with the schools is not even highlighted!&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Parents in Hyderabad have been fighting for almost 10 years now. Have lodged multiple complaints, court cases, organised protests and several of their campaigns have gone viral on social media also. Yet, the Government of Telangana failed to act against any school. Disturbed by this, the parents&rsquo; association in Hyderabad conducted its own investigation and meticulously documented how schools are siphoning off crores of rupees to shell companies in tax havens abroad like the British Virgin Islands. The press on its part documented how Hyderabad has become the costliest city in India for school education. Despite all this, there is no action against any school till date. Is it any wonder then that suicides related to school fees started from and are increasing in frequency in the state of Telangana.

&nbsp;

A suicide related to school fees was earlier reported from Ghaziabad in UP as well. But why should that be a concern to us as a nation? After all, it is &lsquo;just a few suicides&rsquo; in &lsquo;just two&rsquo; states! Moreover, there seems to be no &lsquo;Dalit angle&rsquo; involved, no &lsquo;religion under attack&rsquo; and certainly no cow to bull about. Why would this death occupy prime time news space? Why would it disturb our tolerant or intolerant citizens? How is it relevant to us that a life was lost due to delay in payment of a few hundred rupees as school fees in a nation that guarantees all its children the RIGHT TO FREE EDUCATION.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

That we are unable to provide free education is a fact that, I assume, hardly disturbs anyone. But that basic education has become so unaffordable that students and parents have started committing suicide, is a fact which disturbs no one &ndash; is a fact, that I find very difficult to digest.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As per a survey done by ASSOCHAM (Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India), people in India are afraid to get married and have children because of the increasing cost of school education. Sadly, increasing school-fees as one of the top means of birth control is no longer a joke confined to WhatsApp but a ground reality of India today.

&nbsp;

One would not expect politicians to be bothered about such &lsquo;mundane&rsquo; things but what about others? Why would our intellectuals, celebrity journalists and &lsquo;champions&rsquo; of the poor not be bothered about it? Perhaps they are too occupied with more critical issues like the brand of jacket that Rahul Gandhi wore and with what some looney in some corner of India has to say about some film.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

I wonder why, indeed, would our courts, the conscience keepers of our nation, not take cognisance of this issue and pass strict directions for correction to the government? Unfortunately, they seem too busy fighting amongst themselves and dealing with other issues of grave national importance like the height of &lsquo;Dahi-Haandi&rsquo;.

&nbsp;

The problem related to school fees, even if acknowledged, is often belittled as the problem confined to a &lsquo;limited&rsquo; number of the &lsquo;International&rsquo; schools and one which primarily concerns a whining group of &lsquo;rich&rsquo; parents who want &ldquo;5-Star facilities for their children at 1-Star rates.&rdquo; That the parents select the &lsquo;star&rsquo; of the school as per their affordability but the constant fee increase makes even a 1-star school seem like a 5-star hotel is beside the point.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The main aspect which everyone ignores is that the suicides have come not from the so-called &lsquo;rich&rsquo; or from the so-called &lsquo;international&rsquo; schools but from the &lsquo;low fee schools&rsquo; attended by families from the extremely low-income groups. The fees charged by the school of Sai Deepthi, I am told, is only Rs. 800 per month. Herein lies the problem of increasing school fees &ndash; for the middle class it could be a question of taking a holiday or not, or perhaps going out for a dinner or not but for the poor it&rsquo;s a question of living or not!

&nbsp;

High time that this fact is acknowledged for what it is and acted upon in the best interest of the nation and its future.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

As per a survey done by Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India, people in India are afraid to get married and have children because of the increasing cost of school education.

“Sorry Mom,” wrote a student, Sai Deepthi of class 9 in Hyderabad and hanged herself to death. She was led to take this drastic step after her school called her out from the class and did not allow her to write the exams due to non-payment of school fees. Most of us would feel sorry for her and for her parents but what would we do beyond feeling sorry? At best, we will give her a few more columns like the present one and after that reduce her to another statistic – Suicide # 4 – just like we reduced the other three suicides before hers. What beyond this? The Principal and teachers declared ‘responsible’ for abetting her suicide have been put behind bars and will, thankfully, soon come out on bail. But the owners of the school, the ones who actually drove the staff towards such actions are not even brought under scrutiny. The government of Telangana which rode to power driving the promise of providing free education from KG to PG is not even questioned. What, if anything, has it done about the past suicides in the state is not even asked. That a person no less than the Chief Justice of India (in 2016) Justice TS Thakur, in a case in Supreme Court, castigated the government for, possibly, working in connivance with the schools is not even highlighted! Parents in Hyderabad have been fighting for almost 10 years now. Have lodged multiple complaints, court cases, organised protests and several of their campaigns have gone viral on social media also. Yet, the Government of Telangana failed to act against any school. Disturbed by this, the parents’ association in Hyderabad conducted its own investigation and meticulously documented how schools are siphoning off crores of rupees to shell companies in tax havens abroad like the British Virgin Islands. The press on its part documented how Hyderabad has become the costliest city in India for school education. Despite all this, there is no action against any school till date. Is it any wonder then that suicides related to school fees started from and are increasing in frequency in the state of Telangana. A suicide related to school fees was earlier reported from Ghaziabad in UP as well. But why should that be a concern to us as a nation? After all, it is ‘just a few suicides’ in ‘just two’ states! Moreover, there seems to be no ‘Dalit angle’ involved, no ‘religion under attack’ and certainly no cow to bull about. Why would this death occupy prime time news space? Why would it disturb our tolerant or intolerant citizens? How is it relevant to us that a life was lost due to delay in payment of a few hundred rupees as school fees in a nation that guarantees all its children the RIGHT TO FREE EDUCATION. That we are unable to provide free education is a fact that, I assume, hardly disturbs anyone. But that basic education has become so unaffordable that students and parents have started committing suicide, is a fact which disturbs no one – is a fact, that I find very difficult to digest. As per a survey done by ASSOCHAM (Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India), people in India are afraid to get married and have children because of the increasing cost of school education. Sadly, increasing school-fees as one of the top means of birth control is no longer a joke confined to WhatsApp but a ground reality of India today. One would not expect politicians to be bothered about such ‘mundane’ things but what about others? Why would our intellectuals, celebrity journalists and ‘champions’ of the poor not be bothered about it? Perhaps they are too occupied with more critical issues like the brand of jacket that Rahul Gandhi wore and with what some looney in some corner of India has to say about some film. I wonder why, indeed, would our courts, the conscience keepers of our nation, not take cognisance of this issue and pass strict directions for correction to the government? Unfortunately, they seem too busy fighting amongst themselves and dealing with other issues of grave national importance like the height of ‘Dahi-Haandi’. The problem related to school fees, even if acknowledged, is often belittled as the problem confined to a ‘limited’ number of the ‘International’ schools and one which primarily concerns a whining group of ‘rich’ parents who want “5-Star facilities for their children at 1-Star rates.” That the parents select the ‘star’ of the school as per their affordability but the constant fee increase makes even a 1-star school seem like a 5-star hotel is beside the point. The main aspect which everyone ignores is that the suicides have come not from the so-called ‘rich’ or from the so-called ‘international’ schools but from the ‘low fee schools’ attended by families from the extremely low-income groups. The fees charged by the school of Sai Deepthi, I am told, is only Rs. 800 per month. Herein lies the problem of increasing school fees – for the middle class it could be a question of taking a holiday or not, or perhaps going out for a dinner or not but for the poor it’s a question of living or not! High time that this fact is acknowledged for what it is and acted upon in the best interest of the nation and its future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why a Hyderabad girl killed herself over school fees

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