Nearly half of Ludhiana’s govt senior secondary schools functioning without principals

Nearly half of Ludhiana’s government senior secondary schools are functioning without principals, severely affecting administration, academic quality, and discipline, even as the Punjab government reiterates its focus on improving education.

Data from the district education department shows that 78 of 182 government senior secondary schools, including GSSS Dakha, Raikot, and Sarabha, currently lack full-time principals.

Teachers say the absence of leadership has led to administrative delays, disrupted classes, and weakened accountability.

To manage operations, senior lecturers have been appointed as “in-charge,” while drawing and disbursing officer (DDO) powers are temporarily assigned to principals of nearby schools.

Deputy District Education Officer (Secondary) Amandeep Singh said, “The senior lecturer is the ‘in-charge’ who has to look after the duties and coordinate with the nearby school’s principal, who has DDO powers.”

However, teachers argue that the arrangement is unsustainable. They say “in-charge” staff are burdened with full administrative responsibilities without extra pay or official recognition, resulting in slower decision-making and reduced efficiency in handling student and infrastructure issues.

Parents have also expressed concern that the lack of permanent principals has led to declining discipline and poor supervision, affecting students’ motivation and academic performance.

Officials attribute the vacancies to ongoing transfers, retirements, and delays in new appointments.

Teachers and parent associations have urged the state government to prioritize immediate appointments, saying the prolonged leadership gap contradicts the state’s claim of making education and school management a top priority.