Porvorim (Goa): A State where the literacy rate is among one of the highest in the country lacks manpower in terms of regular Principals in the higher secondary schools. During its routine inspection ahead of the new academic year, the Goa government observed that the institutes are run by respective incharges in absence of full-time principals.

“It is noticed during inspections held in some of the HSSs that they do not have regular Principals. The incharge is running it and some HSSs are located in commercial/residential areas,” said IAS M.V. Gadgil.

Officials at the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) have assured to fill the vacuum shortly, even as the respective institutes have been instructed to list down their requirements.

In what could be a coincidence, the HSSC results witnessed a drop in pass percentage from 90.10 percent in 2016 academic year to 88.77 percent this year. The disappointment comes after the State witnessed an impressive result in the last three academic years. Indicating quality education and competitiveness among the students, the class 12th pass percentage zoomed to record high at 90.10 last year.

The drop in percentage is attributed to the absence of a full-time Principal. “A proper supervision of the curriculum activities is a must. Internal exams and prelims are major targets before the students appear for the Board exams. All HSSs should have regular Principals,” the official told TNV.

The government has also emphasised that schools should not operate from commercial premises or residential flats, a common phenomenon witnessed particularly in the rural parts of the State. Similarly, creating mandatory infrastructure like playgrounds and separate toilets for boys and girls, have been instructed to the schools concerned.

“A three year period is given to the respective authorities to comply with the requirements,” he said.

Team TNV