PHAGWARA: Hundreds of deserving candidates, who have cleared the rigorous examination process of school leadership posts, now stand disillusioned and betrayed by the Department of School Education.
In March 2020, the Department took a bold step to promote young, dynamic talent to leadership roles in Punjab’s government schools by advertising vacancies for Principals, Headmasters, and Block Primary Education Officers through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), Patiala. A challenging exam, on par with the PCS level, was conducted on December 6, 2020, aimed at selecting the finest talent from various teaching cadres across the state.
However, just before the exam was held, a CWP was filed against the recruitment, resulting in an order that stalled the announcement of results and halted further action post-examination. Yet, despite the clear implications for those waiting eagerly for their rightful opportunity, the government demonstrated a startling indifference. Legal counsels representing the government failed to offer any substantive defense during hearings, routinely evading the core issues at hand. Even when urged by the bench to present their arguments, they perpetually sought more time—a time they never once utilized effectively. Eventually, the PPSC was directed by the Honourable court to submit the results in a sealed envelope. However, the envelope was never opened, left as a stark reminder of the government’s lack of resolve to defend the case properly and its commitment to meritocracy.
The hopes of meritorious candidates—candidates who had persevered through an agonizing wait of nearly four and a half years—were finally shattered. The silent blow came when, without any prior warning or explanation, the Department of School Education sent a letter to the PPSC, instructing the withdrawal of these posts. The justification given was the AG Punjab’s vague remarks about “genuine resentment among the cadre” regarding the recruitment, a thinly veiled excuse to appease those within the department resistant to change.
At the heart of this controversy lies the 2018 and 2020 service rules, which mandate 50% promotion from feeder cadres and 50% direct recruitment via competitive examination. These rules, though the source of some discontent, have effectively identified and empowered individuals who have since delivered transformative results in the department. Names like Preetinder Ghai, Arun Kumar Garg, and many others stand as a testament to the success of these recruitment processes. Harpreet Singh, who headed the department’s recruitment cell, is another prime example—having proven his excellence not only through his role in recruitment but also by clearing the Punjab PCS Examination. This robust recruitment framework, designed to harness the best talent, has already delivered exemplary leadership, and its ability to cultivate future leaders is undeniable.
Yet, despite these undeniable successes, the decision to withdraw the vacancies appears to have been made under the influence of powerful vested interests within the department. This is evident from the ill-advised phrasing of the AG’s comments, which suggest motivations far removed from the spirit of meritocracy. The entire episode reeks of a government more intent on protecting entrenched interests than fostering merit-based leadership.
In a move that can only be described as anti-meritocratic, the government’s actions reflect a disturbing disregard for the principles of fairness and transparency. By undermining the recruitment process after years of anticipation, they have not only crushed the dreams of countless capable candidates but have also sent a chilling message to those who aspire to contribute to the state’s progress through hard work and dedication. This is not just an administrative failure—it is a betrayal of the very meritocratic ideals that should govern our public institutions.
Candidates like Harinder Singh, Nitin Sodhi, jaskaran Singh, Uttam Manhas, Pooja, Iqbal Singh, Navneet Kumar, Sheetal chand, Ajay Kumar, Lovepreet Singh, Kuldeep Singh Lambasted this regressive step as a blatant betrayal of merit and justice. They expressed their mounting outrage stating
“This is not just a recruitment issue—this is a question of meritocracy, ” said one of the affected candidates. “We cleared a tough competitive exam. We waited patiently for over four years. Now, all we are left with is betrayal.”
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains didn't take the call or responded to what's app messages for his version in the matter.-Chandigarh Bureau