Village school has teacher, 4 students despite modern infra

This Government Middle School in Dhaingarpur village has everything, including infrastructure that an ideal school should have. Despite this, the school strength is very less — only four students are studying in the school with just one teacher.

There are three rooms, including a smart room with a projector for classes VI,VII and VIII. The school has a sprawling ground as well, and a computer lab with five computers. Mid-day meal is also served here everyday.

Despite having every facility, the strength is negligible. There are two students in Class VI, two in Class VIII and none in Class VII. All the four students are girls, namely — Dishmeet Kaur (Class VI) , Ramandeep Kaur (Class VI), Gurjot Kaur (Class VIII), Harmanpreet Kaur (Class VIII).

Gurjot Kaur from Class VIII has been studying in the school since Class VI. “There is only one classmate. Earlier, it used to feel a little odd with a few students in a huge building, but, now, it has started feeling normal,” she told The Tribune.

Notably, there used to be 40 students and proper staff in GMS, Dhaingarpur, few years ago, but as the teachers got transferred with time, the pupil strength dipped. Now, with only one teacher left, the parents avoid sending their wards to this school.

Ramanpreet Kaur, the school in-charge, is an English teacher in the school, but she has been teaching other subjects as well. “When I joined as the only teacher after my maternity leave, there was only one student, and now there are four. I wish to increase the strength as the department has provided everything here. If I ask for any grant, I receive that as well. The only need is staff so that the parents can be convinced that their children will be able to study properly here,” she said.

She manages the time table well. “Even if I am teaching every subject to these students, there studies don’t get affected,” the dedicated teacher told The Tribune. “Two new girls joined in Class VI this session and one of them is a great artist. She draws really well which amazes me and I will make sure that her talent is recognised at every level,” she added.

Punjab