Irregularities in the functioning of several government schools in Sribhumi district have once again raised concerns over the condition of the public education system. Despite clear instructions from the Education Department on school timings and academic discipline, a number of schools are reportedly shutting down early, allegedly due to the absence of individual teachers.
Local residents claimed that whenever a teacher remains absent, schools are often dismissed well before the prescribed closing time, disrupting regular classes and affecting students. They alleged that such practices have become frequent, pointing to a lack of accountability and monitoring by the authorities.
One such incident was reported from Dohalia Adarsha Lower Primary School No. 458 under the Patharkandi education block, where the school was allegedly closed early following a teacher’s absence, leaving students without their scheduled lessons.
Similar complaints have emerged from Pahartal Primary School No. 1023 under the Ramkrishnanagar education block, where classes were reportedly suspended ahead of time. Another case was reported from Dalgram Primary School No. 162, also under Ramkrishnanagar. Notably, the school had earlier received an ‘A’ grade during the state’s Gunotsav assessment, raising questions about monitoring after such evaluations.
Taken together, these incidents indicate a worrying pattern across multiple schools under the Sribhumi district education administration. The reports come at a time when the government has repeatedly spoken about improving the education sector through reforms, infrastructure upgrades and quality assessments.
However, residents and educationists say poor enforcement of rules and administrative lapses at the ground level are negating these efforts. They have urged senior officials to step in immediately, ensure strict compliance with departmental norms and protect the academic interests of students.