Keonjhar, Sep 16: In a strong protest against the acute shortage of teachers, the villagers and parents of students at Chandrasekharpur Upper Primary School in Telkoi block of Keonjhar district locked the school gate and launched an indefinite sit-in demonstration.

According to reports, the school has over 85 students enrolled across nine classes- from Kindergarten to Class 8- but is currently functioning with only three teachers. Locals allege that it is practically impossible for such a small number of teachers to manage and deliver quality education to all students. As a result, students have been returning home without attending proper classes.

The school earlier had five teachers, but one retired and another was transferred by the Education Department, further worsening the situation. Despite repeated appeals and written complaints submitted by the villagers and the School Management Committee (SMC) to the Cluster Education Officer of Telkoi block, no action has been taken so far.

With no resolution in sight, agitated parents and villagers decided to lock the school gate and sit on dharna, demanding immediate appointment of additional teachers. The protest is continuing for an indefinite period until their demands are addressed.