East Midnapore is facing an unusual education crisis— at least 50 schools in the district have no students, yet teachers continue to draw full monthly salaries while staying at home. The Education Department has recently raised strong objections to this matter, reprimanding District Inspector (DI) of Schools (Secondary) Palash Roy.
According to sources, the problem began during the COVID-19 pandemic when student numbers in junior high schools, which offers education up to Class VIII, across the district started declining drastically. In the past five years, nearly 50 schools have reported zero enrolment. Teachers from 35 of these schools have already been transferred, but about 30 teachers in at least 15 schools are still waiting for redeployment.
Despite having no students, these teachers are reportedly receiving their regular salaries without attending school.
The case of Shiuri Junior High School in Shahid Matangini Block is one of the starkest examples. The school has had no students since 2022, yet two teachers remain posted there. Teacher-in-charge Uttam Biswas admitted, "There have been no students for three years. We have applied for transfer several times. But it has not worked. As a result, we are deprived of the opportunity to teach."
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Similarly, Brajballabhpur Junior High School in Maina Block has been without students since 2021, but still retains two teachers.
"Records show three students enrolled at Pitulsaha Junior High School in Pashra, Shahid Matangini Block. However, none attend class— two are specially abled, while the third has dropped out. Yet, two teachers remain attached to the school,” said an official of the district education department.
Education officials estimate that at least 30 teachers across 15 schools in the district are being paid despite having no students to teach. A senior department official remarked, “This kind of waste of government money cannot be accepted. The teachers must be transferred quickly.”
The controversy has fuelled discontent against DI Roy. Defending himself, Roy said, “We did not have specific information. A report was sought from Bikash Bhavan on an urgent basis. We have collected information from all the circles and sent it.”
The issue has sparked widespread debate on accountability and resource allocation in the state’s education system, with many calling for immediate corrective measures.
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