State grapples with 6041 schools operating sans principals

As the board examinations approach the state, approximately 6041 schools in Rajasthan are functioning without a principal. The delay is attributed to the stalled Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) process for principal posts, which are mandated to be filled through promotions within the Education Department.

The issue arises from the pending DPC for the year 2023-24, resulting in the vacancy of around 6041 principal positions in schools across the state. The Education Department had designated 9854 lecturers as Vice Principals in February 2023; however, their postings have been stuck for the past 12 months due to ongoing court proceedings regarding the seniority of lecturers.

Despite online counselling scheduled for promoted vice principals from May 23 to June 28, the process was halted by a court order before commencement. Consequently, both the appointment of Vice Principals and the DPC for Principal positions face impediments.

Over the past four years, schools have undergone continuous upgrades, yet attention to staffing concerns has been lacking. Presently, out of approximately 17 thousand higher secondary schools, 6000 operate without a head of the institution. The seniority determination process for lecturers deviated from the usual 50-year practice, creating complications. English subject lecturers filed a petition, contending that seniority lists did not adhere to proper rules.