Selja slams Haryana govt over poor school staffing, student enrollment

Hisar: Former Union minister and Sirsa MP has sharply criticised the Haryana govt over the condition of the state's education system, citing a recent report she described as "shocking."According to Selja, the report reveals that 450 govt schools in Haryana have fewer than 10 students, while 1,066 schools are functioning with only one teacher. She said this situation not only exposes the shortcomings of the education system, but also raises concerns that the govt may be "gradually moving towards shutting down govt schools." In a statement to the media, Selja pointed out that the dropout rate among boys is two-and-a-half times higher than that of girls, and that a large number of students leave school between Classes 9 and 12. Haryana has 14,338 govt schools, most of them in rural areas where the high fees of private schools remain unaffordable for poor families. Data from the education department shows that 1,75,257 teachers are employed in private schools, compared to 1,01,760 in govt schools.Selja further said that as of Aug 2025, there are 16,840 vacant teaching posts in 14,295 govt schools. Out of 1,21,020 sanctioned posts, only 1,04,180 teachers are currently in position. The govt, she added, has claimed that the vacancies will be filled soon. During a session in the state assembly, the education minister informed that 2,575 principal posts are sanctioned, with 332 lying vacant. Similarly, 819 out of 916 headmaster posts are unfilled, and thousands of other teaching positions remain vacant across schools.Selja accused the govt of "failing to protect and strengthen the public education system" and urged immediate steps to address the crisis in staffing and enrolment. MSID: 124607206 413 |