Teacher Shortage in Baglung Schools
More than a dozen schools in Jaimini Municipality of South Baglung faced such acute shortages of science, mathematics, and English teachers that the municipality was compelled to amend the “Municipal Education Act.”
Despite publishing vacancy notices three times, no applications were received. Therefore, Jaimini amended the Act to allow the appointment of teachers without licenses.
Municipal Education Officer Khem Prasad Acharya explained, “Even after making provisions to appoint teachers without teaching licenses, we could not get enough applicants. After the amendment, a few individuals applied, and we were forced to appoint them as teachers to ensure teaching continuity.” He further stated that despite increasing the salary, they could not find teachers for science, mathematics, English, and computer subjects.
Vacancy of Principal at Rudrepipal Secondary School
Rudrepipal Secondary School in Baglung Bazaar has been running without a principal for nearly thirteen months. The school, which topped the district in the Secondary Education Examination, is currently managed under the responsibility of an assistant headmaster.
Around 500 students study in the school, but due to a lack of permanent secondary-level teachers, lower secondary and primary teachers are covering the classes.
School Chairperson Kamal Bohara said that the absence of a principal has affected both management and teaching. He also expressed grievances that repeated requests for permanent teachers were ignored by the municipality. “The education committee officials are not committed to improving community schools. The absence of a principal at Rudrepipal is an example of this,” Bohara remarked.
Municipal Education Officer Dhan Prasad Pokharel responded that they could not assign teachers due to the unavailability of subject specialists. “If we had teachers, we would send them. Rudrepipal’s sanctioned positions remain unfilled because of the lack of subject teachers,” Pokharel explained.
Shortages in Other Schools of Baglung
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Baudechaur Secondary School, Siga, Ward 8: The school lacks a mathematics teacher. Rudra Prasad Joshi, appointed at the primary level but with a master’s degree, is currently teaching. Principal Jeevanath Sharma Kisan Sapkota expressed concern that if Joshi is transferred, mathematics and social studies teaching will halt.
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Bhairav Secondary School, Bhakunde: Principal Sapkota shared that they are struggling to find teachers. “Some who were preparing for Public Service exams came temporarily, but once they leave, the shortage reappears,” he said.
Coordinator of the Social Development Committee of Baglung Municipality, Gyanendra Gautam, stated that youth are no longer attracted to the teaching profession. Students of science do not prefer to accept low-paying jobs, which has worsened the shortage.
Last year, Baglung Municipality merged a dozen schools and restructured another half dozen. As the number of schools declined, some schools in Galkot, Jaimini, and Badigad were also closed.
Worsening Situation in Western Baglung
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Nisi Khola and Tamankhola Rural Municipalities: These areas face severe shortages of teachers. In Nisi Khola, most schools struggle to get mathematics and science teachers at the secondary level.
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Tamankhola Rural Municipality: Although computers have been distributed to all schools to promote quality education, the lack of subject teachers has prevented their effective use. Chairperson Joklal Budha said the equipment remains unused.
