A critical shortage of teachers at the Government Higher Secondary School in Devarmalai, Bargur Hills, Erode district, is severely affecting students' education. Parents report this is causing students to drop out of school.
The school, established in 1963 and upgraded to a higher secondary school in 2016, has over 350 students. However, it lacks the necessary teachers, especially for classes 6-10 and in the higher secondary arts group (Economics, Commerce, History, Accountancy).
The lack of teachers forced students to take their Plus Two board exams without adequate support, leading to parents being hesitant to enroll their children this year.
The school's remote location, 12 km from Thamaraikarai, adds to the problem. The nearest higher secondary school is 15 km away, requiring students to cross reserve forest areas via poor roads with limited public transport.
The Chief Educational Officer, Erode district, was unavailable for comment. However, sources within the Education Department indicated that vacancies would be filled through general teacher counseling, with temporary teachers appointed in the interim.