Noticeably, despite the implementation of the midday meal scheme and provision of uniforms, enrollment numbers in government primary schools are declining sharply. The lack of appeal projected by government primary schools is exemplified by the growth of private primary schools in the region. People are of the view that the educational quality in government schools is in a shambles and as such even households with weaker financial standings have begun opting for private schools for their wards.
The general opinion is rightly reflected by the plight of government primary schools. While textbooks are still unavailable, many such schools have just begun their new academic session. This seemingly lacklustre attitude of the government is making guardians perceive a lack of commitment. If the government provides textbooks in time and other necessary training courses to teachers, recruit enough and capable faculty to guarantee better quality education, most parents from tea gardens, villages and even towns will not hesitate to send their wards to government run primary schools.
But the situation is pitiable in government schools, with most boasting of only a handful of students and insufficient teachers, and things appear ominous, so much so that such schools may need to close down going forward. This seems a scary reality if the concerned authority does not change its attitude. Although the government is reportedly spending considerable funds for the overall enhancement of primary education, the big question is who is responsible for this dismal situation in government primary schools. Some guardians believe the faculty is equally to be blamed for the plight. Many teachers are least bothered about properly education the students, they say, while some do not even attend work regularly.
While students in English medium private primary schools have completed a sizeable portion of their syllabus, their hapless counterparts in government schools are still waiting for their books. There are a total of 49 government primary schools under Mirik block, which, according to reports from last year, just 1,695 enrolled students, 843 boys and 850 girls.
The general public wants to know what the district school board and circle in-charges are doing in this respect. They are unsure who will step forward with responsibility to save and promote primary education in the hills being delivered under the aegis of the government.(EOIC)