Summary:
"Many schools, especially those in the rural areas, have just two-three teachers for 50-80 students. We had issued notices to the protesting teachers and they are in small numbers returning to duty," Ganeshamoorthy said.While high and higher secondary schools are able to manage with teachers gradually returning to duty, elementary schools continue to face difficulties, as most schools have only two-three teachers. "Since the exams are conducted in two sessions, we are able to manage it even though some teachers are participating in the protest. So, if a teacher is absent, managing students is difficult," said a headmaster of a government school from Mettupalayam. Usually, teachers' workload increases during the examination time and they are often required to spend more time at the school," he added.School education department officials said the existing strength of teachers itself was less for them to conduct the exams..