Thiruvananthapuram: School teachers in Kerala have been burdened with the task of carrying out three major surveys, forcing them to dedicate less attention to regular academic activities.
The first survey involved collecting 54 details regarding each student from primary to plus two classes and uploading the data on the central portal 'UDISE'. Teachers also had to contact students who had passed out of school last year to complete the process. The exercise was over only recently and consumed more than two months of time.
As soon as this survey was over, the state government announced another data collection exercise aimed at detecting the presence of lifestyle diseases in high school students. Around 12 details have to be collected under this program. As part of this survey, teachers have to check the blood pressure, weight, and height of each higher secondary student, among other things.
A third survey that teachers have to carry out is ‘Prashast’, launched by the Central Government. This exercise is intended to identify issues related to the health and disabilities of students.
“Most teachers are compelled to find time to conduct the surveys even when they are busy with teaching and co-curricular activities,” pointed out S Manoj, general secretary of the teachers’ organization AHSTA.
“It is the first time that teachers are being ordered to conduct three surveys. Moreover, the teachers are even sacrificing their sleep to upload the data at night to meet the deadlines,” he added.
The AHSTA leader demanded alternative arrangements to conduct the surveys and spare teachers the additional burden.