The Andhra Pradesh High Court has sparked controversy with its strong criticism of the state education department’s decision to promote non-teaching staff to principal positions in junior colleges. This move authorized by Government Order (GO) 76 issued in December 2021 has been deemed “suicidal to the education system” by the court.
Court’s Scathing Rebuke
The judges expressed outrage at the policy questioning its logic with a pointed analogy. “Just because a person has 20 years of experience driving a car can they be given a license to fly an airplane?” they argued. They emphasized the critical role subject-matter knowledge plays in effective leadership. How they wondered can librarians and physical directors lacking expertise in specific academic disciplines adequately supervise teachers and ensure quality education?
The court went a step further stating that officials who approved GO 76 should be held accountable. Their harsh words reflected a deep concern that such policies could have a devastating impact on the state’s education system.
Legal Battle Unfolds
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The controversy began when the government issued GO 76 paving the way for promotions of non-teaching staff to principal positions. This decision was challenged by the Government Library Science Junior Lecturers Association. The association argued that 197 junior lecturers were unfairly excluded from promotions under the new guidelines.
The High Court responded by staying the promotion proceedings initiated by the Commissioner of Intermediate Education. However, a principal who benefited from the promotion order contested this decision leading to a hearing before a division bench.
Next Steps and Uncertainties
The division bench comprising Justices G Narendar and N Harinath suspended the single-judge order that had put the promotions on hold. They have also summoned the Principal Secretary of Education to appear before the court on April 1st 2024.
This development indicates that the legal battle surrounding GO 76 is far from over. The fate of the challenged promotions and the ultimate decision on the legality of the government order remain to be seen. The court’s upcoming hearing with the Principal Secretary is likely to be crucial in determining the future of educational leadership in Andhra Pradesh’s junior colleges.
