Against the Odds, Government School Teachers Strive for Better Classrooms
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The face of most of the government school has been changed, as teachers and other staff has joined hands to fulfill basic needs like table fans, microwave are the two examples.
Recent interviews with public school instructors across various regions reveal a mixed picture when it comes to infrastructure.
While some teachers pointed to noticeable improvements, others highlighted gaps in basic hygiene and essential facilities. In particular, the lack of ceiling fans in classrooms during peak summer has made teaching and learning challenging. A few instructors mentioned bringing portable fans from home to cope with the heat, one of the teachers who didn’t wish to be named said. These accounts suggest that while efforts are being made to improve conditions, many schools are still falling short of meeting fundamental expectations.
While speaking about clean drinking water, there are multiple corporate social responsibility initiatives run by corporates; however, clean drinking water is still a challenge in some schools, said a teacher in a government school. Educators say they often meet children who either go without drinking water in the classroom or carry their own water bottles from home. Students have repeatedly raised questions about the purity of the school’s water, which sometimes smells strongly of chlorine. These worries are justified, as drinking water with too much chlorine might be harmful to one’s health, especially that of children.
The monsoon has also caused stagnant water as some of the sewers are already blocked. This condition is not a prolonged one; however, teachers claim that bad locks in some restrooms threaten students’ dignity and privacy. Most of the facilities lack vital hygiene necessities like soap. The bathrooms are nearly useless since they are not routinely cleaned and maintained. Children frequently stay away from the toilet because of the absence of running water and the offensive odor, therefore raising concerns regarding their cleanliness and health—especially for girls during their period.
In the world of machine learning and advance study of artificial intelligence, there is an urgent need to change the system with some latest technology as equipment is either old or not it working condition. It is quite worrying that kids are denied the exact tools meant to get them ready for the future, even if the government places more emphasis on digital education. Even the simplest computers won’t work, leaving teachers trying to incorporate computer instruction in their courses powerless.
These ongoing challenges not only impact the learning environment but also present hurdles to teacher productivity and morale—yet many educators continue to do their best under difficult circumstances.
Under the National Education Policy 2020, India aims to build an inclusive and equitable educational system. However, voices from government school classrooms serve as a reminder that respect, safety, and basic infrastructure remain fundamental to ensuring meaningful access to quality education. Unless these foundational issues are addressed, substantial progress will remain challenging.
