Karnataka’s government schools are experiencing a significant teacher shortage, with 57,724 posts vacant across primary and high school levels. State School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa recently disclosed these figures in the Assembly, responding to questions about staffing challenges. To address the immediate need, the state has appointed 51,000 guest teachers , aiming to ensure students’ education remains unaffected.
Teacher Vacancies Detailed
Minister Bangarappa provided a detailed account of the vacancies during a session in the Karnataka Assembly. His statement came in reply to a starred question posed by BJP MLA Harish Poonja. The state currently operates 41,088 government primary schools and 5,024 government high schools, both facing substantial staffing gaps.
| School Type | Total Sanctioned Posts | Posts Currently Filled | Vacant Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Primary Schools | 1,78,935 | 1,33,345 | 45,590 |
| Government High Schools | 44,144 | 32,010 | 12,134 |
These figures highlight the scale of the challenge in maintaining adequate teacher-to-student ratios across Karnataka’s public education system.
Addressing the Shortage: Guest Teachers
To mitigate the immediate impact of these vacancies, the state government has taken steps to appoint a large contingent of guest teachers. A total of 51,000 guest teachers have been brought in: 40,000 for primary schools and 11,000 for high schools . Minister Bangarappa confirmed these teachers are slated to begin their duties from the upcoming academic year, specifically for the 2025–2026 academic period.
Beyond general educators, the government has also appointed specialized teachers. These appointments aim to provide necessary guidance and support for students with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education practices within government schools.
Guest Teacher Salaries Increase
During the Assembly discussion, MLA Harish Poonja raised concerns regarding the remuneration of guest lecturers. He pointed out that their salaries were considerably lower than those of permanent staff members, a disparity that often demotivates temporary educators. In response, Minister Bangarappa announced a significant adjustment. The salaries for these guest lecturers have been increased by Rs 2,000 , aiming to offer better compensation for their services.
Food Scheme Concerns and Solutions
MLA Poonja also brought attention to financial pressures impacting the government’s food scheme, which provides eggs and bananas to schoolchildren. He noted that the cost per egg had risen from Rs 5 to Rs 7.5 . This increase occurred while the state government’s sanctioned amount for the scheme remained unchanged, leading to school staff bearing the additional cost burden daily.
In response to these concerns, Minister Bangarappa provided an update. He announced that a prominent charitable organization has committed substantial financial support. The organization has agreed to provide Rs 1,591 crore to fund the provision of eggs to children in government schools. This commitment aims to alleviate the financial strain on school staff and ensure the continued nutritional support for students.
Egg Safety Assured
A separate concern raised by MLA Poonja involved public fears regarding a potential cancer scare associated with egg consumption. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addressed this directly in the Assembly, reassuring the public. Rao stated there was no need for widespread panic.
According to Minister Rao, health authorities tested 147 egg samples in 2024 . Out of these samples, only one failed the quality checks, specifically found to contain banned antibiotics. This isolated incident does not indicate a widespread health risk, with the vast majority of tested eggs confirmed safe for consumption.