Kakinada: Though academic year 2021–21 has started with opening of schools three months ago, state government has not yet taken a decision on appointing teachers for tribal dialects like Koya, Konda, Savara, Kuchi, Adivasi, Odiya Sugali and others.
Last academic year, more than 800 volunteer tribal teachers had been appointed in more than 900 schools with a salary of ₹ 5,000 each per month. The same has not happened this year though. Tribal people say education in their own dialect is more effective. As such, they want the state government to immediately take a decision on appointment of tribal dialect teachers. Otherwise, tribal children will suffer major disadvantages, they fear.
As per information available, there are 15 tribal schools within Chinturu ITDA limits alone. Last year, it had appointed 15 volunteer tribal dialect teachers. They taught students of these 15 schools in their own dialect, say Koya in East Godavari district.
Chinturu ITDA project officer Akula Venkata Ramana disclosed that they have submitted a report to Sarva Siksha Abhiyan explaining the need for appointment of volunteer dialect teachers in tribal schools. He hoped renewal of these teachers’ appointments will come soon.
Tribal associations say government must recognise mother tongue as language of tribal people. It must ensure students are taught in their own dialect. Children will then develop better interest in education. Otherwise, there will be many drop-outs among tribal children, the associations fear.
