Ludhiana: There is a stark contrast between the experiences of students studying in two govt schools which operate from the same building. Govt Middle School, Chuharpur, shares the same building with the ‘School of Happiness’, also a govt school. But the ‘happiness’ does not trickle down to students of the middle school, who have to struggle for basic learning.Classes are a jumble for students of the middle school, who would be lucky to register any concept. They are packed with students, around 100 at times, and the teachers can hardly speak over the din. In any case, there are not enough classrooms to accommodate the students. Students say they cannot safely play in the playground and teachers say mid-day meals do not meet requisite standards.The middle school, in Block Mangat 1, has around 342 students enrolled in classes VI to VIII, but only three teachers. With one teacher handling each class, students are being taught in combined sections, with teachers sometimes having more than 100 students in a classroom at a time. The shortage is particularly challenging because teachers are also required to handle multiple subjects. Class VI has around 141 students, and the teacher incharge teaches four subjects — Hindi, Punjabi, physical education and drawing. Class VII has 116 students, with the teacher incharge handling subjects like science, mathematics and drawing. Class VIII has 85 students and faces a similar situation.With only three teachers available, all three classes are being conducted in combined sections in just three classrooms. School officials said managing such large groups makes it difficult to provide students with individual attention and maintain the desired teaching environment. Another concern is lack of a proper space for students to have their midday meals. The school is desperately awaiting funds for construction of a shed, leaving students without a designated facility for meals. Officials also raised concerns about the absence of a safe playground, lack of participation in Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan 2026 and damaged portions of the school building.A school official said recent transfers and promotions in the education department had raised expectations that the school would get another teacher, but this did not happen. “Recently, transfers and promotions were done by the govt and the education department and our school was waiting for another teacher to manage the school. Practically, it is not possible to teach more than 100 students at a time. Authorities should take necessary steps as soon as possible,” the official said. He added that the problem could be resolved by upgrading the school to high school from middle school or by providing teaching staff as per the student strength.“The process of upgrading the school was started at the beginning of this year but I am not aware of the reason for the delay,” the official said. Deputy DEO, secondary, Amandeep Singh, said govt middle schools had four sanctioned teacher posts, but schools with a high student strength could apply for an upgrade to high school. “There are only four posts in the middle govt schools for teachers. However, if the strength of the students is high, the school can apply for an upgrade to high school. I will check the records and situation, after which the required steps will be taken,” he said. District education officer Dimple Madaan was not available for comment.
