Premium

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

Formal orders to be issued after CM Sukhu's approval; apprehensions about newly promoted principals joining postings in remote and tribal regions?

3 min readShimlaDec 16, 2025 09:18 PM IST

UT Finance Secretary Diprava Lakra said, "Any new project which requires analysis or financial analysis will be sent to the ministry for appraisal and approval. However, any minor repair works can go on. Those will not suffer."

The SP said the Karjan police have launched a search for the suspects who escaped and also began verifying the documents of the security guard.

With as many as 830 of the total 967 Government Senior Secondary Schools, particularly in remote and tribal areas, operating without permanent principals, the Himachal Pradesh education department has cleared the promotion files of 830 eligible senior lecturers and headmasters for the posts.

The education department approved mass promotions to the rank of principal for the first time in recent years, considering headmasters and senior lecturers were given additional charges as principals of these schools.

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.”

Story continues below this ad

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.”

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
himachal

Loading Taboola...