Kendrapara, Jan. 11: The district administration here has launched a novel scheme to issue identity cards to teachers of all government-run primary teachers in an effort to curb “proxy teaching”.

The identity card scheme, the first of its kind in the state for primary school teachers, aims at identifying errant teachers found engaging “proxy” teachers to teach in classrooms on their behalf.

“The scheme was introduced on New Year day and we hope to complete the process by February 15. Primary school teachers will now have to carry identification card or face disciplinary action. The expenditure for the scheme is being borne by Sarva Siskha Abhiyan,” said Kendrapara collector Dhananjaya Das.

Das said the administration was “forced” to take the step as allegations of “proxy teaching” were pouring in.

“My office often receives complaints about teachers engaging proxies to teach on their behalf. It is indeed a disturbing practice. We are hopeful that the introduction of identity cards will put to an end to this trend.”

In the first phase, about 1,880 primary schools are being covered. Nearly 5,000 primary teachers would be issued identity cards within a month. Teachers from upper primary schools will be issued identity cards in the next phase.

A local official from the school and mass education department said most parents of students complain that teachers skip classes on a regular basis.

Some stray cases of “proxy teaching” had come to light during surprise checks and inspections, said Gobinda Chandra Pati, district inspector of schools.

A sizeable number of government primary school teachers, mostly from remote corners of this coastal district, have found a way to “appoint” educated unemployed youths to teach on their behalf. Youths with some qualifications and expertise serve as proxies for the regular teachers, according to department sources. These youths disappear during the first week of the month, when the salaries are drawn and routine official inspections take place. After that, they are back as “proxy” teachers. These uncomplaining youths are paid an amount ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 depending on the benevolence of the “employer”.