Thousands of headmasters may lose posts

Despite opposition from the academicians, a decision was taken in this regard by the state Education Department to instil allocative efficiency and optimal utilisation of budgetary and human resources.

During the first phase, primary, middle and high schools functioning separately on the same premises would be attached to the high schools. Therefore, in the future, instead of three headmasters, one principal will be in charge of such schools.

At present, about 2,000 schools in the state have primary, middle and high secondary level on the same premises. A senior official from the Directorate of School Education told DT Next that the merger move would also help harmonise the implementation mechanisms and transaction costs at all levels, particularly in using state, district and sub-district level systems and resources, besides envisaging one comprehensive strategic plan for development of school education at the district level.

He said, after merging primary, middle and high schools functioning separately on the same premises, infrastructure will be improved in rest of the high schools to accommodate primary and middle level school students.

Stating that the additional headmasters will be shifted to other posts after the merger, the official claimed a creation of a single administrative structure would also assist in developing a school sector-wide strategy stressing on improvement in quality of education.

“The merger will also improve the admissions in the government and its aided schools,” he said adding that most of the parents prefer that their children should study from kindergarten to 12 in the same school. The official said overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12 has been, therefore, prepared with the broader goal of improving school effectiveness measured in terms of equal opportunities for schooling and equitable learning outcomes.

However, opposing the move, Tamil Nadu Teachers Association said the merger move is basically to reduce the appointment of teachers. “In addition, many headmasters currently working in primary and middle schools will lose the post and would be transferred to various departments,” association president PK Ilamaran said. Stating that the education system in primary, middle and high schools are going in right direction, he said “the merger would increase the workload of the teachers.”