Editor’s Note
This unusual administrative decision highlights both the challenges of staffing in remote areas and the potential for recognizing capability beyond formal titles. While temporary, the appointment raises questions about systemic support and qualification standards in education.
In an unprecedented move, a Class IV employee (peon) has been made the in-charge principal of a school in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. This occurred at the GIC Khateda school in the Munsiyari development block after the acting principal resigned from the post.
There is a school in Kumaon where the responsibility of the principal has been handed over to a Class IV employee who rings the bell. This has happened in the Munsiyari development block of the border district Pithoragarh. When the acting principal of GIC Khateda in this block resigned, a Class IV employee was made the head under the guise of rules. Now, the peon shoulders the responsibility of performing government duties and making decisions here. Government teachers have announced, as part of an agitation over various demands, that they will not perform any departmental work or take on responsibilities besides teaching.
The resignation of acting principals from GICs and high schools is also part of this discontent. This announcement by the teachers has disrupted the entire education department’s calculations. The strange arrangement at GIC Khateda in Munsiyari block is a result of this. Since there was no permanent principal at this inter-college, Hindi lecturer Chhote Singh was given the charge. After the union’s decision, he formally resigned by writing a letter with his signature and seal. As there were no other employees besides teachers at the school, the sole Class IV employee posted there was given the responsibility. Now, Raju Giri, posted as a Class IV employee, will shoulder the principal’s responsibilities. This is the first time in the education department that a Class IV employee has been made an acting principal. This matter is under discussion.
At GIC Khateda, along with a Hindi lecturer, there is one other permanent teacher and five guest teachers posted. Apart from this, only one Class IV employee is posted here. Permanent teachers are relinquishing charge, while guest teachers cannot be given any government responsibility. In such a situation, the responsibility of the acting principal here could be given to the Class IV employee. Under the cover of this rule, the responsibility of the acting principal has fallen upon the Class IV employee.