Schools sans headmasters
If the department
performed its responsibility properly and sincerely, 278 posts of headmaster would not have fallen vacant
It is disturbing to note that 278 government primary schools out of 1079 in Satkhira district are being operated without headmasters, leading to disruptions in regular teaching activities, according to a report in this newspaper on Wednesday. Primary education is the foundation for the future grooming up of a student. If it is based on a weak foundation, it will play havoc with the entire educational life of a student. The post of headmaster is vital for a primary school. Obviously in his or her absence the administrative and other activities of the school are bound to suffer. Apart from educational activities the headmaster is responsible for controlling the teachers and the students in his or her school.
It is the responsibility of the education department to appoint and transfer headmasters of various primary schools. If the department performed its responsibility properly and sincerely, 278 posts of headmaster would not have fallen vacant. Where was the wrong? There is little doubt that the lackadaisical attitude of many government departments and agencies is responsible for massive dislocations and disruptions. This should be shunned for normal functioning of activities. There are also incidents of lone teacher running a primary school. It is the students and the guardians who have to suffer ultimately.
There should be transparency and accountability in primary education for making it qualitative and quantitative. When the government has taken various measures for promoting education in the country, the school dropout problem is still a matter of concern. Many primary schools in remote rural areas lack infrastructural facilities and competent teachers, hampering education. The government has announced a number of incentives, including midday meal and some financial incentives, to lure students to come to schools. These measures should be strengthened further in the interest of education.
The problem of teacher shortage should be addressed first. If needed, teachers, particularly headmasters, should be appointed on an emergency or ad-hoc basis. The backward primary schools in rural areas should be brought under scrutiny. Students dropouts from primary schools cannot be prevented without collective efforts of all concerned, especially teachers, guardians and community people. Quality education should not be confined to a section of elite class rather it will have to be disseminated to the larger section of the people. Concerted efforts of all concerned, especially teachers, guardians, and community people, can help achieve the goal.
