Teachers double up as clerks in govt schools

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 25

Government schools in Bathinda are facing acute shortage of non-teaching staff, including clerks.

As per the official figures on March 31, as many as 45 posts of total sanctioned 50 posts of clerks are lying vacant.

Besides, 45 schools are without sweeper-cum-watchman, 43 schools are without peon-cum-watchman, 14 schools without watchman, 26 schools without peon, 19 schools without sweeper, 10 schools without gardener-cum-waterman, 15 schools without gardener-cum-watchman, 38 schools without gardener, three schools without library attendants, 14 schools without workshop attendants, five schools without waterman and four schools without beldar.

A government teacher said most of the times they had to perform the duties of clerk as well, which affected teaching.

“We have to go to the district and block education offices for regular work. Besides, a number of schools are without peons, sweeper and watchman,” he said.

Khushvir Singh, District Education Officer (DEO), Bathinda, said, “The government has not appointed non-teaching staff since long. Thus, a number of posts are lying vacant. Though it hits the functioning of teachers, in most of the schools, teachers with the help of panchayats, have made alternative arrangements. Besides, we are sending the list of vacant posts to the government to fill them.”

About the vacancy of teachers, he said, “Some posts may be lying vacant but the studies are not affected.”