Md. Shahinur Islam Shahin, Khetlal (Joypurhat)

Out of 47 government primary schools in Khetlal Upazila of Joypurhat, 19 do not have a regular head teacher. Administrative activities and teaching are being carried out in some way by giving the responsibility of acting head teachers from among the assistant teachers in the schools. In addition, 9 schools have a current head teacher and only 19 have a full-time or direct head teacher. In total, 28 schools have a head teacher or a teacher on current duty, but 19 schools are completely guardianless (without a head teacher).

According to the Upazila Primary Education Office, there are about 5,200 students in 47 government primary schools in Khetlal Upazila. Although there are 47 approved posts of head teachers in these schools, 19 are directly working and 9 are currently in charge. As a result, the post of head teacher in 19 schools has been vacant for a long time. On the other hand, against the 256 approved posts of assistant teachers, 238 are working, meaning 18 posts of assistant teachers are also vacant.

A review of the documents and lists shows that among the 28 schools that have a principal or teacher on regular and ongoing duty, the following are notable:

Tilabdul, Pathanpara, Krishnanagar, Shishir Nazirpara, Royair, Nishchinta, Chhotatara, Khetlal Model, Itakhola, Sarail, Mahabatpur, Samanthahar, Hinda, Hatshahar, Golahar, Telal Kusum Shahar, Nashirpur Daulat Gazi, Akhlash Shibpur Shyampur, Paulanj-Panchuiil, Alampur, Baniachapar, Banaich, Balika, Maheshpur, Daulatpur, Hoppirhat, Shakharanj Chowdhurypara, Minigari 1500.

On the other hand, the 19 schools run by full-time acting principals are: Ganamangal, Baratara, Atidashara, Talshan,

Ikargara, Ziapur, Mamudpur, Aymapur, Binai, Matihans, Nautika Keshurta, Dhapshunda Shibpur, Uttar Hatshahar,

Baril, West Durgapur, Atimukul, Koralgari, Mirzapur Fersa 1500 and Bejar 1500 Government Primary Schools.

In schools without a principal, acting principals are faced with administrative tasks, preparing various administrative reports, administrative meetings, coordinating with colleagues, and various administrative hassles for students. At the same time, they also have to teach in the classroom regularly, which is creating extreme mental and physical stress.

Ferdousi Rana Chowdhury, acting headmaster of Bezar 1500 Government Primary School, said, "After taking over the responsibility of the acting headmaster, the administrative workload has increased manifold. Along with this, we also have to take our own scheduled classes. We are trying our best so that there is no disruption in the students' studies. However, if there was a regular headmaster, it would have been possible to conduct teaching and administrative work in a more orderly manner."

An acting headmaster of another government primary school, who did not wish to be named, expressed his anger and said, "Our main job is to teach in the classroom. But most of the day is spent on administrative work, stipends, official correspondence and meetings. On the one hand, it becomes difficult to give proper time to the class, and on the other hand, we also have to handle the accountability of administrative responsibilities. If a full-time headmaster is not appointed or promoted quickly, it will become difficult to maintain the quality of education."

In this regard, Khetlal Upazila Primary Education Officer Azizul Islam said, "Like the rest of the country, there are some vacant posts in our upazila as well. However, the government is quite sincere about this. The process of filling these vacant posts quickly through promotions and new appointments is underway. Preparations are also being made to send the necessary documents to the higher authorities. Currently, the normal activities of the school have been kept operational through those in charge."

District Primary Education Officer Jecher Ali said, the acting teachers are performing additional duties very efficiently. We are monitoring the situation regularly and if there is any problem, we are resolving it by discussing with the higher authorities. The demand for vacant posts has already been sent. Once the posts are filled, the primary education program will be more dynamic.