Joy Returns to Pandopara School: New Teachers Bring Hope for Tribal Children

Rationalisation Policy Ensures Quality Education in Remote Areas

Raipur : Nestled deep within dense forests, around 100 kilometers from Korba city, lies Pandopara village—home to the Pando tribal community. When a school was first established here, it brought a wave of joy and hope to the villagers. Parents believed their children would finally have access to education and a brighter future. However, their hopes began to fade when it became clear that the school had only one teacher.

With a lone teacher managing all the classes, the quality of education suffered. If the teacher was absent, classes were canceled, and children spent their school day doing nothing. This situation deeply worried both students and parents alike.

Mangal Singh Pando, a resident of the village, shared, “Our children used to go to school, but proper learning was not happening. There was only one teacher, and when he was on leave, the school would come to a standstill. Now we’ve heard that new teachers are being appointed. We are very happy that our children will no longer sit idle and will receive regular education in every class.”

This turnaround has been made possible through the Rationalisation Process launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai. More than 300 single-teacher or teacher-less schools in the Korba district have now been assigned staff. As part of this initiative, 14 previously teacher-less primary schools and 4 middle schools are now able to begin regular teaching. Additionally, 287 primary and 20 middle schools have received extra teaching staff. Now, every middle school will have at least three teachers, and each remote primary school will have at least two. This is expected to significantly enhance the quality of education and provide children with a more supportive learning environment.

Students in Pandopara, located at the far end of the Pali development block, are visibly excited about the arrival of new teachers. Jagdeshwar Pando, a Class 4 student, along with Rajendra from Class 3 and Mukesh Pando from Class 2, all expressed their happiness at the news of new “Guruji” joining their school.

This initiative by the state government reaffirms that the light of education is now reaching even the most remote corners. The rationalisation drive has given new hope and direction to the children of the Pando tribe, enabling them to become part of the mainstream and take confident steps toward a better future.