50 government schools operating sans principal

Shivani Bhakoo

Ludhiana, July 30

Despite the state government’s efforts to bring its schools on a par with the private ones in terms of quality of education and life opportunities offered, there are some pending issues that are hampering the realisation of the said objective. One such issue is the absence of a principal at around 730 schools in the state.

A District Education Department official, wishing not to be quoted, said over 40 per cent of the 186 government senior secondary schools are without a principal.

“Over 50 schools are operating without a principal and the government seems least bothered to fill the vacancies on a priority basis. Master cadre promotions remain halted. It is a no brainer that these schools are suffering as certain administrative and academic tasks can only be performed by a principal,” the official added.

The government seems least bothered to fill the vacancies on a priority basis. Master cadre promotions remain halted. It is a no brainer that these schools are suffering as certain administrative and academic tasks can only be performed by a principal. —A district education department official

On one hand, the state government is trying to open Schools of Eminence and Schools of Happiness to attract more students, while on the other, numerous posts of principal — who is pivotal in maintaining and enhancing the quality of education — lie vacant. Promotions remain on a standstill since 2021, consequently, many lecturers have retired without being promoted to principal. Besides, many principals have also been given additional charges, and in this case, either school suffer as the principal is overburdened.