Girls' School in Dhotian Crippled by Teacher Shortage, Dropout Rate Soars

• Apr 8, 2025

Dhotian, Tarn Taran — A severe shortage of teaching staff at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Dhotian is jeopardizing the education of hundreds of girls from Classes 6 to 12, exposing what local residents describe as the “apathetic” attitude of the state government and Education Department.

Serving students from nearly 20 surrounding villages, the school was upgraded to senior secondary level a decade ago after relentless efforts by locals. However, despite the upgrade, the school remains grossly understaffed — a situation that is driving up dropout rates, particularly after Class 10.

Many families in the region, citing cultural concerns, are reluctant to send their daughters to co-educational schools. For them, this girls-only institution is a vital option — and its dysfunction is leaving them with no alternatives.

Staff Crisis Deepens

According to Ravinder Singh Gill, chairman of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Social Welfare and Cultural Club, the Education Department had sanctioned 14 posts for the school, including one principal, four lecturers, and nine teachers under the master cadre. While a principal is in place, all remaining posts have reportedly been vacant for the past five years.

“There is no teacher available for Classes 11 and 12,” Gill said. “The principal is doing her best to arrange alternatives, but the students won’t be able to cover the syllabus in time. It’s a crisis.”

Of the nine sanctioned master cadre posts, four key positions — science, mathematics, physical education (DPE), and art and craft — are currently unfilled. Despite an enrollment of around 250 students in the 2024–25 academic year, only four teachers are available, making effective instruction nearly impossible.

Adding to the issue, one of the master cadre teachers has reportedly been deputed to his home district, in violation of departmental norms. The Education Department has officially barred such adjustments, yet sources say over 200 teachers from secondary schools have managed to secure deputations to their hometowns, allegedly using political influence.

Principal Sounds Alarm

Principal Harwinder Kaur confirmed that the department has been repeatedly informed of the situation. “We are doing what we can, but it’s not enough. Students in the senior classes have no subject-specific teachers, which severely affects their chances in board exams and competitive careers,” she said.

She also pointed out the lack of a playground at the school, depriving girls of physical training opportunities essential for careers in the police, military, and paramilitary services.

Community Concern and Call to Action

The local community is growing increasingly frustrated, urging the government to take immediate corrective action. They warn that unless the vacancies are filled and proper infrastructure is provided, the school risks pushing even more girls out of the education system — with long-term consequences for their futures.