Reappointment of principals in govt colleges opposed

The issue of reappointment of principals in government colleges of Himachal Pradesh has sparked widespread resentment and confusion among the teaching community. Following the Finance Department’s notification Fin (C)-A (3)-2/2013 dated August 25, 2025, and subsequent orders issued on August 27, 2025, serious concerns have emerged regarding the interpretation and implementation of these directives.

The Himachal Government College Teachers’ Association (HGCTA) has sent a formal memorandum to the Secretary (Education) and Director of Higher Education, condemning the department’s passive stance and demanding immediate intervention.

According to the HGCTA president Dr Banita Saklani, the Finance Department’s notification does not explicitly mention any provision for the reappointment of college principals. Yet, several principals continue to hold their positions even after the end of their tenure, without formal departmental authorisation. The association alleges that such actions not only undermine administrative transparency but also block promotion opportunities for eligible faculty members.

The association revealed that due to this ambiguity, 15 faculty promotions approved in September remain stalled, as reappointed principals are still occupying positions that should have been vacated. This situation, she said, has left many teachers’ careers hanging in uncertainty.

In its memorandum, the HGCTA accused the Education Department of complete inaction, stating that there has been no inquiry, clarification, or official directive from the department to resolve the issue. The teachers’ body claims that such indifference is fostering administrative disorder within the higher education system.

The association further argued that college principals are primarily engaged in administrative responsibilities rather than classroom teaching. Therefore, classifying them as part of the teaching faculty for reappointment purposes is “illogical and inconsistent with UGC guidelines.” As per UGC norms, a principal who completes a five-year term, should return to teaching duties, but this practice, HGCTA noted, is not being followed in Himachal Pradesh.

The HGCTA also pointed out that under the Himachal Pradesh College Principals’ Recruitment and Promotion Rules, 2020, principals are treated as a separate administrative cadre, not as part of the teaching faculty. Even the 2017 regularisation of officiating principals was conducted under these 2020 rules. Therefore, the association argues, invoking provisions from the earlier 2012 Recruitment and Promotion Rules to justify principals’ inclusion in the teaching category is unjustified.

Calling for urgent government intervention, Dr Banita Saklani urged the state to review the reappointment policy to ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based promotions. The association demanded that unauthorisedly reappointed principals be immediately relieved and that the pending promotions of eligible teachers be implemented without further delay.

“The current situation is jeopardizing the morale and career progression of deserving teachers. The government must act swiftly to restore transparency and accountability in higher education administration,” she remarked.