In a significant move aimed at enhancing the quality of education in rural areas, the Commissionerate of Education has outlined the selection process for appointing contract teachers in schools with ten or fewer students. This development follows the School Education Department's decision on September 23 to recruit D.Ed and B.Ed qualified candidates on a contractual basis for one out of every two teaching posts in such low-enrollment schools. In response to inquiries from field offices regarding selection criteria, the Commissionerate issued a circular providing clarity on the process.
As per the guidelines, candidates must be local residents of the Gram Panchayat where the school is located. This initiative aims to prioritize local talent and ensure that educators are familiar with the community they serve. For the academic year 2023-24, it has been stipulated that if two teachers are currently employed in a school with a minimal student count, the contractual appointment for the subsequent teacher will only occur after the actual post becomes vacant. In cases where multiple applications are received from local candidates, preference will be given to those with higher marks in their D.Ed (for grades 1 to 5) or B.Ed (for grades 6 to 8) qualifications.
In instances of equal marks, the candidate with superior educational or professional qualifications will be prioritized. Should candidates possess identical qualifications, age will serve as the deciding factor. If local candidates do not apply, the selection process will expand to include applicants from the respective taluka, and if no suitable candidates are found, the search will extend to the district level. In addition to the selection criteria, the government has mandated that contracts be established with the primary education officer representing the Zilla Parishad.
For municipal schools, agreements must be made with the education officer and administrative officer of the relevant municipality. Furthermore, in line with a recent decision from the Rural Development Department concerning the PESA (Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act) sector, schools located in PESA areas are directed to temporarily appoint candidates from the local Scheduled Tribe category.
This appointment will be based on remuneration, contingent upon a decision from the Supreme Court. Selected candidates will primarily be assigned to schools with more than ten students; however, if vacancies exist in schools with fewer than ten students, these candidates may also be placed there. This comprehensive selection process reflects the government's commitment to improving educational access and quality in rural communities, ensuring that local candidates are prioritized in the recruitment of contract teachers.
