Odisha orders deployment of teachers to single-teacher schools

The Odisha School and Mass Education Department has directed district collectors to deploy additional teachers to government primary and elementary schools currently operating with only one teacher. This directive aims to ensure compliance with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, specifically regarding minimum teacher strength and prescribed pupil-teacher ratios.

Data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) indicates that approximately 1,458 single-teacher schools exist in the state, impacting nearly 60,000 students during the 2025–26 academic session. The department noted that these conditions adversely affect the quality of education and violate Sections 19 and 25 of the RTE Act.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary N. Thirumala Naik has ordered collectors to review school statuses and complete the rationalization, transfer, or deployment of teachers within one month. Priority is to be given to schools with higher student enrollment. Collectors are required to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days of receiving the directive.