Patna: The education department of Bihar has issued a new letter to all school headmasters, asking them to take responsibility for creating a better learning environment. The guidelines, issued by the State Education Research Training Council, say that headmasters play the most important role in running schools successfully. They must set an example by following the rules themselves, especially by reaching school at least 10 minutes early to check if teachers and students are on time.
The letter also says headmasters should take part in awareness sessions and cleanliness drives inside the schools. Teachers and class monitors can help in these activities. Every school must follow a proper daily routine that should be visible in classrooms as well as in the headmaster’s office. The sound of the school bell should reach every child, and clocks should be hung in each classroom so that children can learn to read time and follow the timetable properly. If there is a shortage of teachers, headmasters have been told to arrange multi-class teaching so that no student misses lessons.
The rules on teacher leave have also been made stricter. Teachers will get leave only if it does not affect classroom teaching, and many teachers will not be allowed to go on leave at the same time. The practice of half-day leave has been stopped. If a teacher comes late more than three times in a month, the headmaster can recommend a cut in salary or mark a day’s leave. Leave will be approved only in emergency situations over the phone. At the same time, teachers and students are being asked to follow small habits of discipline, such as pouring water before using toilets. Attendance registers must also show cross marks for teachers absent during awareness sessions.
The department has asked headmasters to improve their own knowledge as well. They must do self-study daily, check classrooms regularly, and even teach if needed. Classrooms must have clean blackboards, chalk, and dusters without shortage. Headmasters have also been told to decorate their offices with pictures of great leaders of the country and to write their inspiring slogans on school walls. On the birth and death anniversaries of these leaders, children should be informed about their work for society and the nation.
With these new rules, the department hopes to bring more discipline, better habits, and a positive atmosphere to government schools across Bihar.
