Government school teachers in Belagavi are under increasing pressure due to the growing volume of online administrative responsibilities, despite inadequate digital infrastructure in schools. With insufficient computers and poor internet connectivity, many teachers are forced to complete online registrations and official work using personal mobile phones and computers, often bearing the costs themselves. The rising number of digital tasks has significantly added to their workload alongside classroom teaching, raising concerns about the lack of institutional support and resources.
Online tasks burden teachers
Officials from the school education and literacy department stated that all administrative and academic tasks performed by teachers in government schools must be recorded online. These tasks include the Karnataka Advanced Attendance System (KAAMS), lesson planning, lesson-based assessment, entry of bridge exam grades, formative and summative assessment entries, textbook, uniform and shoe distribution details, midday meal data entry, SATS registration, BLO election duties, and specially-abled children information app entries, among others.
Teachers' demands
Government school teachers have demanded the provision of computers, a permanent internet connection, a monthly mobile or internet allowance, appointment of computer operators in schools on the lines of guest teachers, and a dedicated technical support system for data entry tasks.
Ramesh Goni, district president of the Primary School Teachers’ Association, emphasized that this is not merely a demand for convenience but a necessity to improve the quality of education, protect teachers’ health, and save teaching time. He said they had previously met Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, requesting computers, internet, and one operator at the cluster level. The minister responded positively, and implementation is expected in the upcoming budget.
Departmental perspective
Leelavati Hiremath, deputy director of the school education and literacy department, noted that there is a lack of efficient utilization of vacation days and poor management of records in many schools. However, in a few schools, including one in Kanabaragi village, computers and internet are being maintained and used effectively at low cost. She suggested that if other schools adopt this model, the problem could be addressed.
Retired headmaster's view
VS Patil, a retired government school headmaster, said that primary education is the foundation of every child’s future, and the knowledge gained at this stage is crucial. He added that every poor parent aspires to provide quality education through government schools, and a proper digital system must be ensured for documentation.
“Teachers who do not go to school should be brought to school, those present should be sent to classrooms, and those in classrooms should teach. These three principles must be followed to improve the quality of education in government schools,” he said.
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