Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the government and the authorities concerned towards a highly disturbing issue in the Education Department -posting of school teachers for non-teaching posts, especially in offices like the Directorate of Elementary Education and the office of the state project director, Samagra Shiksha, Itanagar.
Despite repeated concerns raised by the student community, and despite voices from several NGOs, pressure groups and education stakeholders who have consistently highlighted this matter, it is unfortunate that the system continues to allow teachers – meant for classrooms – to be engaged in clerical and office work.
What is more damning is that science, mathematics and language teachers, who are already in severe shortage in most government schools across Arunachal Pradesh, are among those being used for clerical functions. At a time when students are struggling due to lack of subject teachers, this practice is nothing short of an injustice to our children and a direct blow to educational outcomes in the state.
Students from remote and rural areas are the worst affected. Many schools are already functioning with minimal staff, and when subject teachers are pulled out for office work, the classroom suffers. The result is predictable:
# Poor understanding of core subjects like maths and science,
# Weak academic foundation,
# Declining confidence among students, and
# Growing dependence on tuition/coaching, which many parents cannot afford.
In such a situation, the Education Department cannot keep speaking about “quality education” while continuing such contradictory practices.
This also has a serious impact on the morale of hardworking teachers who remain in schools and perform their duties sincerely. When teachers who are actually teaching in difficult terrain see others enjoying comfortable office postings while still holding a teacher’s post and salary, it creates resentment, demotivation and a perception that commitment and performance do not matter. It sends a wrong message across the department.
If certain teachers are genuinely more interested in clerical duties than teaching, then the department should adopt a fair and transparent solution. They should be allowed to apply through a limited departmental examination/test for clerical posts, and upon selection, they should be formally absorbed and relieved from teacher posts, so that their vacant teaching posts can be filled by individuals who actually have the passion and commitment to teach.
The Education Department must lead by example, and practice what it preaches. If we truly want strong learning outcomes, we must ensure that teachers remain where they are most needed – in classrooms, not in office chairs.
I humbly urge the department and the government to resolve this matter at the earliest, in the larger interest of students and the future of education in Arunachal.
Tanguso Toiman,
F&G Sector, Itanagar