Ludhiana, Sept. 30 -- Punjab's government schools are battling a severe staff shortage, with nearly half of the crucial posts lying vacant, the Government Teachers' Union has said. According to data collected by the union, 50% of principal posts, 46% of block primary education officer (BPEO) seats and 33% of headmaster positions across the state remain unfilled, leaving the education system in disarray.

The union said the district-wise figures show a grim picture. In Mansa, 82% of principal posts are vacant, while Barnala has 77%, Kapurthala 73%, and both Faridkot and Tarn Taran report 71% vacancies. The situation for head teachers is no better. Tarn Taran leads with 81% posts vacant, Nawanshahr follows with 62%, and more than half the p...