THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In Kerala’s government Lower Primary (LP) and Upper Primary (UP) schools, a noticeable lack of interest among teachers in pursuing promotions as Headmasters has emerged. This reluctance stems from the significant financial burdens associated with the role, including the responsibility of providing mid-day meals to students.
Headmasters are burdened with various financial duties, such as overseeing the distribution of mid-day meals, managing stamp sales, collecting rice for the mid-day meal program etc.,
Many teachers opt to remain in their current roles, foregoing the two to four salary increments that come with becoming Headmasters. Their decision is primarily driven by apprehensions about the substantial responsibilities attached to the position. In addition to their administrative duties, Headmasters are required to conduct 35 period classes per week, further adding to their workload.
Compounding these challenges, reports from various media outlets, including Janam TV, have highlighted that the government’s allocation of Rs. 6 to Rs. 8 for mid-day meals is insufficient. Consequently, Headmasters are forced to resort to additional collections to bridge the financial gap.
Furthermore, Headmasters are burdened with various incidental expenses and stationery costs necessary for organizing school activities, which they often have to cover from their own pockets. As an example, during the Onam festival, the government allocates 5 kgs of rice to each student, which must be distributed through schools. However, Headmasters are responsible for collecting the rice from Maveli stores, and they are compelled to pay load men Rs 50 for each packet, a cost that falls on their shoulders.
Adding to the financial strain, the government and the education department have neglected to implement a long-standing provision to grant Headmasters a travel allowance of Rs. 1000 when the treasury and education sub-district office is located 8 kilometers away from the school.
It is also noteworthy that if the expenditures are not tallied accurately, the amount due as post-retirement benefits will be withheld, thereby also increasing the responsibilities of Headmasters. Numerous complaints have surfaced regarding retired Headmasters encountering difficulties in accessing their retirement benefits from the treasuries.
Over the past three years, more than 500 teachers in the government schools have declined promotions to the Headmaster position. It’s crucial to note that there are a total of 7400 LP and UP schools in Kerala. The lack of interest among teachers in assuming these roles highlights the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to alleviate the financial burdens associated with Headmaster positions and ensure the continued success of Kerala’s educational system.
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