Ludhiana, Sept. 11 -- As many as 373 government schoolteachers have been assigned ration-card verification duties, drawing criticism from educators who say schools are already grappling with staff shortages, which are affecting students' studies.

The latest deployment order was issued by the office of sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), west, on September 10, days after the district administration assigned 686 teachers to similar duties. Teachers and their unions had opposed the earlier deployment, saying many staff members were already engaged in SIR and BLO work, leaving schools struggling to manage classes. The timing, close to mid-term examinations, had also added to their concerns.

Teachers say repeated assignments are keeping them aw...