Teacher Shortage in Gulmi: Difficulty Hiring for Key Subjects
In Gulmi, it has become increasingly difficult to find teachers for Mathematics, English, and Science. Dhurkot Rural Municipality has reported that even after announcing a vacancy for a Mathematics teacher at Gyanodaya Secondary School under federal grant for the fourth time, they have not been able to fill the position.
Chief Administrative Officer Gyanuram Panthi informed that this was the fourth announcement for a secondary level (grades 9 and 10) Mathematics teacher. According to him, not a single application was received by the deadline on Jestha 20.
Panthi also stated that the municipality has issued a second call for primary-level teacher vacancies. He added that while there is high interest in urban teaching positions, very few are willing to come to rural areas, leading to further complications.
Musikot’s Sixth Attempt Finally Found a Teacher
A few months ago, Musikot Municipality in the district managed to recruit teachers for Mathematics at Musikot Secondary School and Janajyoti Secondary School only after announcing the position for the sixth time.
Similarly, Prakash Nepali, Head of the Education Section of the municipality, mentioned that Shivashankar Secondary School also found an English teacher only on its sixth attempt.
Other Schools Facing the Same Issue
Dadalka Secondary School also had to make three announcements to find a Mathematics teacher. Nepali National Secondary School and Sitapur Secondary School reportedly struggled significantly to appoint Science teachers under the relief quota.
According to Prakash Nepali, the declining interest in the teaching profession, the lack of social respect, and the state’s failure to treat the profession on par with civil service have all contributed to the crisis.
He also noted issues in national policy, citing that those without teaching licenses are barred from entry, while those with licenses are increasingly hard to find.
Preference for Foreign Employment Over Teaching
The Education Development and Coordination Unit in Gulmi stated that a growing fascination with foreign employment and decreasing interest in teaching are major reasons behind the teacher shortage.
According to Unit Head Thaneswor Ghimire, many teachers resign or take early retirement, worsening the gap. He confirmed that the district faces a serious lack of teachers for Mathematics, English, and Science. This, he emphasized, is not a problem limited to Gulmi alone but is seen across the country.
District Overview: Gulmi’s Education Landscape
Gulmi District has a total of 590 schools, including both community and institutional institutions, with a student population of 56,203.
The Education Development and Coordination Unit also reported that from early childhood to grade 12, the district has a total sanctioned post of 3,153 teachers, including both relief quota and permanent positions.
Gulmi