8K teachers for 22L K'taka schools

Officials claim guest teachers hired to fill gaps, educationists say not a long-term solution

- RISHITA KHANNA

KARNATAKA, known for its advancements in science and technology, has only 8,895 science and mathematics teachers for nearly 22 lakh students of Classes 1 to 5 in government primary schools. The state has just 5,732 English teachers compared to 81,979 Kannada teachers for students of these classes, as per government data.

While officials claimed that guest teachers are hired to fill these gaps, educationists argued this is not a long-term solution. They warned that if this situation continues, many schools, especially in rural areas, could face closure.