Dummy schools

In another incident where the education of students has been blatantly compromised in Gujarat, some schools in Ahmedabad’s Ghatlodia and Ranip areas have relieved their science stream teachers and handed over the academic responsibility entirely to coaching faculties.

The coaching class teachers are reported to be determining the timings and fees for the students of Classes 11 and 12 in these schools. Subsequently, students are transferred to coaching centres instead of attending regular school.

Sources privy to such incidents have revealed that the school management has also relinquished the administration, allowing a new private education system to take over reigns in these schools.

This ‘dummy school’ culture prevalent in the science stream asks students to only attend classes to mark their presence. Their academic curriculum, however, is taken care of in the coaching classes.

Ill-effect on mental health

A psychiatrist practising in Ahmedabad mentions that most of the mental health-related cases involving students from Classes 11 and 12 show high levels of stress. Among these, students enrolled in dummy schools form a significant proportion. Approximately 80% of these students seek counselling due to academic pressure or the inability to engage in their preferred activities.

“These students often experience heightened exam stress but become passive. We advise such children to take a break from studies and engage in activities they enjoy to help them return to a normal state,” they said.

“Even if dummy school students achieve good marks, they often exhibit personality disorders,” the psychiatrist remarked.

Raju Gadhvi, retired principal of Diwan Ballubhai School, commented on this issue, stating, “Only a school can provide holistic development. This is impossible in coaching classes.”

He further added, “The mindset of focussing solely on marks is harming students. Classes 11 and 12 are crucial years during adolescence, where leadership, sports, and cultural activities play a vital role. If a child’s focus is entirely shifted to academics during these years, it can have numerous adverse effects on their mental well-being.”