The drive for academic excellence particularly in the subjects of mathematics, science, and English ingovernment schoolsis being hampered by a significant shortage of teachers.

According to government reports, over 11,635 teaching positions remain unfilled in high schools across the region, causing concern among students and parents about the potential impact on future career opportunities.

The problem is more prominent in rural areas, where students struggle with foundational skills in primary-level subjects.Odisha Legislative Assemblyrecently received a report from theEducation Ministerhighlighting vacancies: 5,199 in government schools, 2,754 in fully-aided high schools, and 3,682 in newly aided high schools.

In response to these challenges, the State government has introduced ‘Utkarsh Yojana’, an initiative tailored for Class 9 students to improve their grasp of key subjects based on their academic performance. This ambitious programme is complemented by the educational resources available on the DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure forKnowledge Sharing) portal.

Moreover, there is a focus on enhancing teacher training to address educational shortfalls.

Educationexperts advocate for the urgent filling of teacher positions in schools and an increased focus on improving student competencies in maths, English, and science from the primary levels.

“We are very poor in maths and are worried how we will clear the upcoming exam. I appeal to the Government to appoint a mathematics teacher in our school so that at least other students of the next academic year will benefit,” aNabarangpurschool student Ramesh Chandra Nayak said to OTV.