6 teachers for 6 students: Enrollment crisis hits Govt school in Tripura

A government primary school in Tripura's Jampuijala sub-division has drawn attention due to an unusual teacher-student ratio, with six teachers currently teaching just six students.

The West Gurupada Colony JB School, located in the Longmahaty area under the TTAADC region of Jampuijala sub-division, has adequate infrastructure but is witnessing a sharp decline in student enrollment. 

According to the school authorities, there are no students in Classes II and III, while the total enrollment stands at only six.

Teachers said attendance has become highly irregular, with some days seeing only one student in class and, on other days, no students turning up at all. The situation has raised concerns over the effective utilization of teaching resources and the future of the government school.

Local sources attributed the declining enrollment to the presence of private English-medium schools in the vicinity. One such school is located adjacent to the government school, while another is about 200 metres away. Most parents are reportedly opting to enroll their children in these private institutions instead of the government school.

Speaking to reporters, the teachers highlighted the school's current condition and the challenges arising from the dwindling number of students. 

They alleged that despite repeatedly informing the concerned authorities about issues related to the nearby private schools, the Jampuijala Inspector of Schools (IS) has not taken any effective action so far.