Teachers, Parents Disapprove Novel Rationalization Plan

Teachers along with pupils’ parents have disapproved the rationalization plan for this year (2013) as the Education section has not approved any positions for mathematics and English teachers in administrative middle schools. In its place, the Education section is engaging master cadre science and social teachers to teach these subjects.

There are no positions for English and mathematics teachers in the more than 2,500 middle schools in Punjab.

In place of engaging new teachers, the section is allotting the positions of subject teachers to science and social science instructors who have not specialized in these subjects.

One of the school principals stated under the RTE Act, all pupils are upgraded to the next class till Class IX irrespective of their recital. However, internal examinations undoubtedly show that pupils are too weak in these 2 subjects. As a result, it is vital that pupils are taught by expert teachers.

“Teacher of physical education, Hindi and other subjects teach these two subjects. How can you expect teachers who have not studied a particular subject after Class X or Class XII to teach Class VIII students? This is unethical,” regretted a parent Paramjeet Singh.

One of the senior officials in the section stated since the execution of the RTE Act, teachers and pupils’ move towards education has turned apathetic.

“When students enter Class IX, they are clueless about the basics. Many teachers have already expressed their grievances in this regard and I feel the department should review the entire policy to improve the standard of education.”

Anjali Bhawra, Principal Secretary, School Education, stated though the section had upgraded the rationalization plan on the internet site, the stuff was still under discussion. “We will take all aspects into account before making the final announcement,” she added.