Khordha, 11th Aug 2025: A headmaster is like the guardian of a school. Under their guidance rests the future of students. However, due to flaws in the system or lack of commitment from the government, the post of principal lies vacant in 16 fully grant-in-aid schools in the district. Similarly, among the 82 newly grant-in-aid schools, 17 are functioning without principals. These schools are the first stepping stone in the future of students, yet the absence of a school head — the principal — has exposed a disturbing picture of the education system.
According to the district education department, Khordha has 16 fully grant-in-aid and 82 newly grant-in-aid schools. These schools have students from Class 8 to Class 10 — a crucial period for shaping their future. But in the schools lacking principals, the work is being handled by acting principals.
Not only the principal’s post but many other posts in both fully and newly grant-in-aid schools are also lying vacant. In fully grant-in-aid schools, out of 32 sanctioned arts teacher posts, only 24 are filled — 8 remain vacant. In newly grant-in-aid schools, out of 164 arts teacher posts, 25 are vacant. In fully grant-in-aid schools, 3 mathematics teacher posts are vacant; in newly grant-in-aid schools, 11 are vacant. Similarly, 3 and 11 science teacher posts, 4 and 14 Sanskrit teacher posts, 2 and 8 Hindi teacher posts, and 7 and 10 physical education teacher posts are vacant in fully and newly grant-in-aid schools respectively.
In various blocks, minority and Telugu community children study in these schools, but in both categories of schools, Urdu and Telugu curricula are reportedly being ignored. Since the state government has not sanctioned teaching posts for these two subjects, children from these communities are facing great hardship.
On the other hand, educationists say there is no transfer policy for teachers in these schools. While fully grant-in-aid school staff enjoy pension and service benefits, teachers and staff in newly grant-in-aid schools are deprived of these facilities. Therefore, when someone retires, the state government does not make new appointments, leading to the current situation in the district. Moreover, due to the lack of a transfer system, teachers allegedly teach according to their own will.
As a result, matriculation exam pass rates are reportedly disappointing, while students from private schools perform much better. Educationists have remarked that the state government needs to bring reforms in the system, not just change the uniform color of students.
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