Chandigarh, July 4: Amid the Punjab government’s push for educational reforms under campaigns like “Sikhya Kranti,” more than 850 principal posts in government senior secondary schools remain vacant, raising concerns over administrative lapses and stalled career progression of senior lecturers.
Of the sanctioned 1,927 principal posts across the state, around 856 are currently lying vacant, according to data obtained through an RTI filed by the Democratic Teachers’ Union. The union and senior lecturers argue that the vacancies are undermining both governance in schools and the morale of educators who have been waiting years for promotion.
“There’s no clarity despite repeated assurances. Many lecturers like me are nearing retirement after over 30 years of service without being promoted,” said Satvir Singh, a senior lecturer. His case echoes the sentiment of dozens of teachers who feel sidelined.
Lecturer Bhupinder Singh Samra recalled that the Education Department had promised to issue a notification for promotions by June 30. “But no notification has come. We are still waiting,” he said.
Another senior lecturer, Maninder Kaur, said frustration is mounting. “In a recent meeting in Ludhiana, it was decided that if the government fails to promote lecturers, we will launch an agitation,” she said.
In response, Education Minister Harjot Bains pointed to a legacy policy change made by the previous government. “Back in 2018, the Congress government introduced a clause reserving 75% of principal posts for direct recruitment, leaving only 25% for departmental promotions,” Bains said. However, he added, “We are hopeful of resolving the issue soon. By the end of this month, hundreds of promotions will be processed.”
Despite the minister’s assurances, the lecturers remain unconvinced, citing past delays and a lack of transparency in recruitment procedures.
With more schools functioning without principals, critics argue that the much-publicised reforms risk becoming hollow slogans unless the administration addresses staffing issues promptly and fairly.
