ASPTA Calls for Appointment of Headmasters in Assam’s Primary Schools

The Assam State Primary Teachers’ Association (ASPTA) has written to the Education Minister and the Secretary for the Education Department of the state, calling for the appointment of headmasters in primary schools before the implementation of Sikshasetu. In their letter, the association has offered to bear the costs of SIM cards and recharges for the tablets provided by the department.

Assam’s Primary Schools Long-standing Issue of Headmaster Appointments

According to Ratul Chandra Goswami, the general secretary of ASPTA, the association has been requesting the appointment of headmasters in primary schools since 1982. Despite multiple meetings with the chief minister and education minister, the Education Department has not implemented their proposal to rename the post of senior assistant teachers to headmasters and offer a financial incentive. Goswami expressed frustration that people are still being engaged in other government responsibilities instead of being appointed to the position.

Assam’s Primary Schools Need for Headmasters Before New Responsibilities

The Education Department recently gave primary schools the responsibility of managing Sikshasetu. However, the ASPTA maintains that the appointment of headmasters should come before taking on any new responsibilities. While the department provided tablets for Sikshasetu, the recharge and SIM cards for the tablets should be given by the department, just as they are provided by the Social Welfare and Health departments.