New Delhi: Students of a Delhi govt school in Khajuri Khas have alleged that they have gone without a regular chemistry teacher for up to three academic years, leaving more than 200 Class XI and XII students without structured instruction in a core science subject.The issue has assumed urgency for Class XII students preparing for board examinations, some of whom say they completed Class XI without a chemistry teacher and have repeatedly approached the school principal for a resolution.A representation dated Aug 20, addressed to directorate of education, Govt of NCT of Delhi, has sought urgent intervention over the alleged shortage at GSKV Khajuri Khas.According to the representation, the school has two sections each in Classes XI and XII, with approximately 50-55 students in each section. This means more than 200 students across the four sections are potentially affected by the reported absence of a regular chemistry teacher. “The prolonged absence of a subject teacher has severely affected their academic preparation and may have a direct impact on their performance in the board examinations, despite the circumstances being entirely beyond their control,” it says.The students also claim that they studied whatever they could on their own to clear the exams, which raises serious questions about the credibility and effectiveness of the entire marking system.A Class XII science student said the problem had continued since she entered Class XI. “Our school has had no chemistry teacher for at least 2-3 years, and we have our board exams this year. We have given written applications many times for this issue since we entered Class 11, but our request was neglected every time,” the student said.Another Class XII student said the absence of regular chemistry classes was affecting board preparation. “As science students, we are losing important classroom teaching time during our board year,” the student said.An education department official said, “It is important to note that these students have been without a regular chemistry teacher for at least three years, so it’s a long-standing issue. Recruitment postings for these teacher positions are currently underway. This govt is committed to fixing the gaps in the school education system.”He added, “We are regularly conducting drives to seek feedback from heads of schools and identify such issues. We will look into this matter and take the necessary steps to address the shortage.” The school principal could not be reached for comment.”Without regular classes and proper guidance from a teacher, they are still being promoted to the next level. While some of them may be studying independently or putting in effort at home, their promotion raises concerns about whether they are actually meeting the required academic standards,” said education activist and lawyer Ashok Agarwal, who wrote the representation.The representation also raises concerns over irregular biology classes. One student claimed that the biology teacher teaches at the school for only around three days a week and spends the remaining days teaching at another school.“It is requested that the directorate of education may kindly take cognisance of the matter, address the prolonged unavailability of a chemistry teacher at GSKV Khajuri Khas and ensure timely appointment of a qualified chemistry teacher,” it says.According to educators, the shortage of specialised science teachers is a wider concern in Delhi’s govt schools, even as an increasing number of students are opting for science stream.Educators say schools often struggle to ensure regular teachers for subjects such as chemistry, physics and biology, with some institutions having to rely on teachers being shared across schools. The situation can be particularly challenging for senior secondary students, for whom consistent classroom instruction in these subjects is crucial as they prepare for board examinations and, in many cases, competitive entrance tests.
