Bhubaneswar: More than 17,000 teaching posts are lying vacant in 41,407 primary and upper primary schools in the state, school and mass education minister Nityananda Gond told the assembly on Friday.
He said the govt is planning to recruit 16,519 junior teachers in these primary and upper primary schools. “There is a shortage of teachers in schools. Chief minister Mohan Majhi is aware of this.We will fill up the vacant teaching posts soon,” Gond said.

The minister said the state has 1,35,656 sanctioned posts in 26,522 primary schools and 14,885 upper primary schools. “As many as 17,761 posts are lying vacant.
These posts (senior teachers and headmasters) should be filled up through promotion basis. As a case related to promotion-based appointment is pending in Orissa high court, promotion-based appointment cannot be done for now. That’s why we will appoint junior teachers,” he added.
MLAs from different parties asked questions related to shortage of teachers and lack of proper infrastructure in govt and aided schools. The minister assured the assembly that the govt is committed to filling up vacant posts as soon as possible.
Anil Pradhan, a right to education activist said significant number of students are deprived of quality education due to the shortage of teachers. “This largescale vacancy directly impacts the learning outcomes and overall development of students, particularly in rural and remote areas,” Pradhan said.
“To ensure a long-term solution, govt must prioritize teacher recruitment and training, as well as provide adequate infrastructure and support to schools,” he said.

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