Picking up pens and chalks, our brave soldiers are giving us another reason to be proud of their service and sacrifice. With para-teachers on strike in Jharkhand, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has taken up the responsibility of teaching the students in Ramgarh district.

Under the banner of Ekikrit Para Shikshak Sangharsh Morcha, para-teachers have been protesting since November 15 for better wages and to make their tenure permanent. This has resulted in many schools running without any teachers.

The men in uniform were quick to help out with this problem. When they found out that the students were not able to study as they did not have any teachers, the CRPF jawans volunteered to teach the students in the district schools.

On November 24, four such CRPF jawans from the 133rd Battalion in camouflages were teaching the students of Ranchi’s Jagannathpur Government Middle School. With over 1,200 students, this school is one of the biggest in Jharkhand, reported The Telegraph. With 11 para-teachers not showing up due to the ongoing strike, the jawans are contributing.

“Sensing this imbroglio of the situation, CRPF decided to intervene in a prominent way. Primarily dealing with guns and explosives, they undertook an unfamiliar charter of pen and chalk. Though they have been perpetually involved in teaching activities here and there to help the needy and marginalized in Maoists-affected remote locations of the state, this time it was combined efforts put together of all the CRPF Units in the State,” read a press statement from the security force, reported The Republic.   

Children are excited

November 25 was the fifth day the soldiers were pitching in and teaching the kids. Deputy commandant of the 133rd battalion Santosh Kumar said, “In all, this school had 25 teachers, including the 11 para-teachers. We wanted to do our bit for students suffering owing to the para-teacher strike.”

He added that after reading about the plight of the students they decided to jump in and help. He also said that a few men from his battalion were working with the children in Latehar and Palamau district. All the men teaching are graduates with an interest in the profession.

Constable VK Yadav, who was teaching class VIII students said that he was trying to clear the basics of the students rather than teaching what the para-teachers taught. “I wrote down numbers and asked them to say them aloud to understand the basic units, tens, 100s, 1000s concept.”

The students were especially excited about their new teachers. “These new sirs explain well,” said Sheetal of Class VIII. Teacher Meena Prasad agreed and said that because of the lack of teachers, they were clubbing classes together. With the jawans teaching now, they are relieved.

“Students are serious in their studies. They also take deep interest in our profession, weapons and other aspects of paramilitary force. The state education department thanked CRPF force for their efforts to the students and the school,” said Vikas Pandey, Assistant Commandant at CRPF’s Roam camp.

The Logical Indian appreciates their proactive effort in securing the future of the children. However, the absence of regular teachers is a serious issue and should be resolved as soon as possible.

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