Punjab Lecturers Demand Overdue Promotions Amidst DEO Appointments

Following the recent elevation of 51 government school principals to the role of District Education Officer (DEO), the Common School Lecturer Union Punjab is now advocating for long-awaited promotions for its members. With more than 600 out of 1,930 principal positions lying vacant due to retirements, the lecturers’ body emphasizes the pressing need to address the dearth of promotions for those who have dedicated decades to teaching.

Sanjeev Kumar, President of the Common School Lecturer Union Punjab, voiced the frustration of lecturers who have served for nearly 30 years without significant career advancement. The reduction in promotion quotas, legal complications, and interruptions in direct recruitment processes have contributed to the stagnation in career progression. Kumar stressed that a robust education system requires a well-structured hierarchy and not just infrastructural improvements.

The lecturer union urges the Departmental Promotion Committee to expedite the pending promotions, aiming to fill the vacant principal positions promptly. Seeking resolutions before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, they argue that experienced educators are crucial for advancing the quality of education in Punjab.

In response, a spokesperson from the education department acknowledged the importance of professional growth and clarified that decisions on promotions are made at higher administrative levels. The lecturers remain hopeful for a swift resolution to their longstanding demands.