Public hearing in Kullu highlights deficiencies in government schools

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Kullu, June 9

A comprehensive social audit conducted in Kullu district by the social audit team of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, has brought to light several strengths and shortcomings of the government education system, including a shortage of teachers and the absence of school buildings in some areas.

The findings were discussed during a public programme organised at Atal Sadan in Dhalpur, Kullu headquarters, where members of various School Management Committees (SMCs) also participated. Discussions focused on the quality of education, school infrastructure, and the availability of basic facilities in government schools.

During the audit, it was found that several schools in the district are functioning without their own buildings, forcing students to study in rented premises. In addition, many schools across the valley were found to be facing a shortage of teachers.

The social audit examined multiple aspects of school functioning, including classrooms, toilets, drinking water, and electricity facilities. The availability of teaching-learning materials, utilisation of government funds, and issues related to students were also assessed.

Addressing the public hearing, social audit team member Devendra Sharma said the team visited various regions of the district to conduct a detailed study of school operations while ensuring active participation from local residents.

“We inspected different aspects of school functioning across Kullu district and involved local people in the process so that students, parents and the general public could become aware of the rights and facilities available under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan,” Sharma said.

District Social Audit Coordinator at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Kullu, Ajit Baudh said the information collected through the extensive survey was presented transparently before teachers, School Management Committee members, parents and community representatives during the public hearing.

He said the primary objective of the social audit was to allow people to independently verify the facts and findings related to the functioning of schools.

“Through public hearings, communities get an opportunity to assess the real condition of schools. This process helps identify shortcomings and challenges in the education system, enabling necessary improvements in future policies and programmes,” Baudh said.

He added that nearly 20 per cent of schools in Kullu district had already undergone social audit, while the remaining 80 per cent would be covered in the upcoming phases to ensure no educational institution is left out of the process.

Sunita, a member of the Dughi Lag School Management Committee, said only one teacher was currently handling classes in their school. Although the management committee had arranged two additional teachers, students continued to face difficulties due to the shortage of regular teaching staff.

She said the issue of inadequate staffing was raised prominently during the programme so that the government could take notice and address the shortage of teachers.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Sharma, a member of the Chansari School Management Committee in the Kharahal valley, said their school had no permanent building and classes had been running in a private building for the past three years.

He said the matter had earlier been raised before the Education Department and district administration, but no action had been taken so far. Sharma urged the government and the Education Department to prioritise the construction of proper school buildings for children.