830 of 967 govt senior secondary schools in Himachal operate without permanent principals, govt clears files

The promotion files were cleared during a meeting of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) of the Department of School Education held under the chairmanship of Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar on Monday.

But apprehensions remain — will these newly promoted principals join schools located in remote and tribal regions?

“Vacancies of principals in 830 senior secondary schools, especially in tribal areas, are a matter of serious concern, and thus, we cleared the promotion files. We will ensure the newly promoted principals join their postings. Teachers are always reluctant to accept postings in far-flung areas,” Kanwar said.

Districts where almost all senior secondary schools have been operating without permanent principals include Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Sirmour and Chamba. The problem also persists in remote and tribal belts of Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts.

Himachal Pradesh has around 14,500 government schools, including 967 senior secondary schools. A senior officer said, “Principals’ posts have largely been filled in districts such as Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Solan, which are considered plain areas. The newly promoted principals will have no option, except for joining schools assigned to them.”

Sources said even though the promotion files had been cleared, formal orders would be issued after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s approval.

They, however, said the number of promoted principals who would actually join their postings remained uncertain.

“Experience shows teachers, lecturers and even principals are often reluctant to join schools in remote and tribal areas. While efforts are made to accommodate teachers and lecturers near their native places, such adjustments cannot be made in the case of principals,” sources said.

Director of School Education Ashish Kumar Kohli said, “We are optimistic that most of the promoted principals will join their postings, particularly in tribal and remote areas. Promotions have been granted based on seniority, and have several financial benefits attached to them.”