Missing in action

LUCKNOW: The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan or Education for All campaign in UP is plagued by absenteeism. No matter which configuration one works with and whatever theories the government may extend the writing is on the blackboard that reads failure in implementation.
Either teachers are missing as is the case of Haiwatmau primary school, Mawaiyya where children assemble in the morning wait in vain for the teacher or principal to make an appearance and return home disappointed.With locks hanging on all the classroom doors even on a working day a lone dog is the only creature seen attending this particular school.
The winter timing for schools is between 10 am and 4 pm. However, on arrival at primary school, Bharwaria I at 3:15 pm class has been dismissed and on being asked why the school timings are not being followed the reporter was reprimanded that in fact her watch was showing the wrong time. As per the Indian Stretchable Time of the school teacher the actual time was 4:15 pm. Besides after three days of holidaying these schools can''t be expected to adhere to time schedules.
Then at Nandpur primary school with a sparkling new building and well kept class rooms the facade is truly eye catching until the inexplicable addition methodology of the teacher also catches your attention. In the attendance marked on the board it clearly shows the presence of 64 children. However, a mere 13 children are found attending classes in a single room.
The dropout rate at primary schools is very high as classes are either not being conducted or a single teacher is expected to handle 200-odd students of different classes. The principal of one primary school said that she cannot blame the teachers or the students for not being able to attend school as reaching the campus itself can become a challenging task as in the rainy season when they have to wade through knee deep slush as the dilapidated road leading to the school gets completely flooded.
However, it must be pointed out that the government alone cannot accomplish the task of providing education. Teachers, principal and local community have to be proactive in educating the future generations. In certain primary schools despite drawbacks teachers initiative can be seen in the maintenance and upkeep of the school through community participation as well as teaching the children to keep the campus clean and neat.