The persistent teacher vacancies in government schools have been noticed in all databases and studies across the country. In the last academic year, 19% of secondary and higher secondary schools did not have a single mathematics teacher. Eighteen per cent secondary schools and 13% higher secondary schools did not have a single science teacher (UDISE data). What is perhaps less known is that regular principal and vice principal vacancies are equally, if not more deficient.
However, teacher recruitment for government schools is often mired in delays, corruption, controversies, and court cases. We have had a Chief Minister in jail, a Minister behind bars, and many other criminal cases relating to teacher recruitment across States. Furthermore, cases holding back regular recruitment, non-availability of trained science and mathematics teachers, delayed and often controversial teacher recruitments, are other instances of the kinds of issues plaguing the recruitment of schoolteachers. Similarly, timely appointment of principals and vice principals suffers from procedures that are cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to vacancy that could last years. Given the very critical role played by well-qualified teachers and effective school leadership, this subject needs the close attention of government and policymakers.The recruitment process today
