Bhopal, September 11: Differently-abled students in Bhopal have staged a protest demanding better facilities and more teachers at their school. This marks the third such incident in the past two months, with similar demonstrations occurring in Chandigarh and Dehradun.
On September 7, students from the Government Higher Secondary School for the Visually Impaired protested against the poor conditions at their institution. They allege a severe shortage of teachers, with only three available for approximately 190 students ranging from grades one to twelve. The students have expressed frustration over irregular classes and teachers reportedly using their phones during lessons.
The situation is particularly dire for hearing-impaired students, who claim that their teachers do not know sign language, and there are no interpreters available to facilitate communication.
According to the school management, while there are five teaching positions, only three teachers are currently present. Principal Mohammad Irfan stated that three teachers who were on deputation from Chhattisgarh were called back by the state government, leading to the current shortage. He mentioned that the process to hire guest teachers is underway, with hopes of appointing four more soon.
The principal acknowledged the lack of classrooms, which sometimes forces multiple classes to be held in a single room. Additionally, there is a need for instructors for vocational training in subjects like computer skills, drawing, and sewing, pending approval from the government.
Students have raised serious concerns about teachers not conducting classes properly, with allegations that some teachers spend class time on their phones instead of teaching. One student claimed that teachers frequently scroll through their phones during lessons, leaving students without the necessary support for their education.
The most pressing issue remains the communication barrier for hearing-impaired students, as the lack of sign language knowledge among teachers raises questions about the implementation of their right to education. Students have expressed their struggles in conveying their problems, which often go unheard due to inadequate communication systems.
In response to their grievances, students have taken to protesting, feeling that their repeated attempts to seek solutions have been ignored. Similar protests have been reported in Chandigarh and Dehradun, highlighting a broader issue concerning the rights and education of differently-abled students across the country.