Sambalpur: Why is Sambalpur lagging behind in primary education? Sambalpur is one of the weakest districts in the country

Sambalpur: National Council for Educational Research and Training on the status of primary education in government schools across the country Odisha’s position in the National Achievement Survey (NASA), conducted by the (NCERT), is well below the national level. The third, fifth, and eighth classes are based on performance in almost every case, Odisha is well below the national average. In the above three categories, four subjects were tested, namely mathematics, linguistics, science and social sciences. Among the 30 districts in the state, Sambalpur is ranked 29th in the third class, 30th in the fifth class and 29th in the eighth class. In these three classes, the average number of districts in the four districts is 46,38 and 35, respectively. It is just above Koraput (45) in the third class and Rayagada (32) in the eighth. However, Sambalpur’s position is at the end of the state’s list, taking into account the three categories of performance. The NSA report in 2017 states that the district was in such a state even in 2021, there has been no improvement.

During a visit to Sambalpur, Schools and Mass Education Minister Sameer Das acknowledged that Sambalpur’s performance was weak in the state and across the country. He said the government was taking steps to address the issue. However, the reply minister did not have any specific plans for Sambalpur. The minister did not promise to provide more teachers for Sambalpur, nor did he promise to relieve teachers of any other work other than tuition. There have always been allegations of widespread irregularities in the Sambalpur district education department. Elementary teachers are less engaged in teaching and more engaged in other activities. Children’s education is being neglected, especially in urban areas, where teachers are often involved. There is a severe shortage of teachers in rural areas. Lessons in the first, second, and third grade, which are said to be the basis of the child, do not take place properly. As a result, it is becoming more and more difficult for children to get a grade.

In this regard, District Education Officer Minarani Mangal said that based on the 2018 Nas report, various steps are being taken to improve the performance of children in primary school. The focus is on improving children’s language skills and numeracy. Therefore, it is planned that the children of the first to eighth grades will do well in Oriya, English, Mathematics and Science. Regular meetings of BEOs and CRCCs are being held to ensure that summer lessons can be done well. As a result, children will be better off at the beginning of the school year. Regarding the appointment of primary teachers to other jobs, Ms. Mangal said the government would have to do what it was supposed to do, but it would definitely pay off if the lessons were given as long as it was available. He hoped that the situation in Sambalpur district would improve.