JAMPUIJALA: A government school in the state’s Jampuijala subdivision presents an unusual picture — six teachers currently teach just six students, with not a single child enrolled in Classes II and III.
Longmahati West Gurupada Colony JB School, located under the TTAADC area of Jampuijala sub-division, continues to function despite the strikingly low enrolment. While the school’s infrastructure remains fairly adequate, teachers say the dwindling student numbers have raised serious concerns about the learning environment. On some days, only a single student attends class, while on others none show up at all, according to teaching staff.
Local sources attribute the decline to the presence of two private English-medium schools nearby — one adjacent to the government school and another roughly 200 metres away — which have drawn away most local children, as parents increasingly opt for private education.
School teachers, speaking to reporters, alleged that despite repeated complaints to the Jampuijala Inspector of Schools (IS) regarding the private institutions, no effective action has been taken so far.
The matter has raised questions about the future of small rural government schools amid competition from private alternatives.