Government scales down principal's appointment in private CBSC schools

By Express News Service  |  

NEW DELHI: The government will now have their say in appointment of principals in over 10,000 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) - affiliated private schools across the country, as the Board, through a new amendment in its affiliation bye-laws has decided that only those who clear the Principal Eligibility Test (PET) would be eligible for the post of principal in these private-run CBSE affiliated schools.

The governing body of the CBSE that met on December 20 which took a decision in this regard gave veto powers to state governments in the selection committee to appoint a principal for a CBSE affiliated private schools, virtually taking away the autonomy of private schools in appointing their principals.

However, those who are already appointed principals of private schools will have to appear in the PET examinations, according to the new amendment in the CBSE’s affiliation bye-laws.

However, the CBSE’s decision exempts principals in government-run CBSE schools to appear for PET examinations.

Scaling down the autonomy of private schools in appointment of principals the CBSE says: “Consequent upon the recommendations of the Affiliation Committee and ratified by the Governing Body…, the Board has decided to conduct the Principal Eligibility Test for aspiring teachers to become principal and for existing principals, who fulfill the minimum qualifications of Principal.. The amendment shall not be applicable to principals of government schools,” says the new amendment in the CBSE’s affiliation bye-laws.

Earlier the principal of private school was chosen through the selection committee of a school that comprised the chairperson of the managing committee, president of the society or a person with experience of administration of schools and nominated by the managing committee.

Also the constitution of the committee has also been changed. According to the new amendment, the member on the selection committee must have an experience in administration of schools or he or she should be an educationist, who has to be appointed by the managing committee in consultation with the CBSE.

Additionally, two or more people would now be on the panel of selectors for the school principal, with one nominated by the CBSE and other nominees by the state government or as per the State Education Act. However, no candidate rejected by the CBSE or by the state government representatives can be appointed principal of the private school.