Service in backward districts compulsory for schoolteachers

 In an attempt to ensure that more teachers work in backward parts of the State, Primary and Secondary Education department would frame guidelines to make it mandatory for them to serve for a period of ten years in such areas.

Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education, Kimmane Ratnakar, said such a move was necessary, as there was a tendency among teachers to avoid working in taluks such as Chamarajanagar, Raichur, Chikodi, H D Kote and others. “All new teachers who will be appointed by the State government, will have to abide by these guidelines,” he said.

Speaking at a press meet, here on Friday, he said the Common Entrance Test held for the appointment of teachers in government schools during October, will have two more papers of 25 marks each from this year. 

“Since, English and basic knowledge of computer is essential for teachers, two papers regarding the subject will be introduced this year,” he said. Following this, CET examinations used to be held for 200 marks will be held for 250 marks.

Administrative changes

Following complaints, the department would issue an ordinance, disallowing Deputy Directors (DDPI) and Block Education Officers, from working in their home districts. The ordinance will soon be enacted by the State cabinet, he said.

The move, he said, was to bring transparency in the administrative section of the department. DDPIs too, as per the ordinance, cannot serve in a district for more than two years, he said.

He said that the appointment of 11,400 teachers was under process and would be completed by November this year

 “The number of vacancies for teaching posts is 28,000 in the State. All the vacancies will be filled in phases,” he said. After the appointment of 11,400 teachers, the department has asked the government to allow 5,000 more appointments, he added.