It, however, is not an exception.

There are 106 such primary schools in the city run by single teachers.

In information sought by The Indian Express under the Right to Information Act, the School Education Department confirmed that there were 106 primary schools in Kolkata which have only one permanent teacher.

The department, however, said that para teachers have been appointed in such schools.

“On a day when there is a meeting with the Circle Inspector of Schools or if I am unable to come to the school, I have no other option but to declare a holiday,” Das said.

The school holds five classes on each working day — English, Hindi, social sciences, science and mathematics. But on many occasions, only one class is held in the school.

“I cannot teach all the students at the same time. Sometimes I make students of two classes sit together. Parents of the students wonder how I manage the school alone,” Das added.

Adarsh Vidyalaya is housed in a rented building at 32, Uma Das Lane, Janbazar. The Primary Education Council pays a monthly rent of Rs 350 for four classrooms, a staff room and a common toilet for students.

“I am managing the school alone for the last four months. The Primary Education Council, Kolkata, has assured me that the school will get para teachers in September,” Das said.

Neither the school has enough space nor manpower to arrange for the mid-day meal.

The strength of the students in this school, however, has not dropped over the past six months, even if the students can see their teacher only for one class.

According to the officials of the Primary Education Council, the number of schools with a single teacher has come down after para teachers were appointed.