Haryana’s transfer policy: Need for reform or a hotbed of discontent
The government had implemented the online transfer policy with the intention of transparency and justice, but today this policy has become a cause of burden and dissatisfaction for the teachers.
Haryana’s online transfer policy, which came as a symbol of transparency for teachers in 2016, has now become their biggest problem. Transfers are pending for years, the block system has become a hindrance, and the imbalance of teachers in schools is deepening. The students are being affected the most by this. The government should run a time-bound transfer drive and improve the policy, so that neither the teachers are troubled nor the education of the students is affected.
The Haryana government implemented the online transfer policy for teachers in the year 2016. At that time, it was seen as a major reform in the education sector. For decades, it was alleged that political interference, nepotism and corruption prevailed in transfers. Many teachers served at their desired places, while others remained stuck in remote and difficult areas for years. This inequality also caused deep damage to the education system.
The online policy initially raised hopes. It was said that teachers would register their choice and preference online and transfers would be done on the basis of merit. This would end discrimination and bring transparency. But after nine years, this scheme has now become synonymous with controversies and discontent.
Assurances and Reality
Every year, before the new academic session, assurances are given that transfers will be done, but often this process remains incomplete. This year too, it was announced in April that transfers will be done before the session begins so that the studies of students are not affected. But August passed, and teachers were disappointed. Whenever such announcements remain incomplete, the morale of the teachers breaks, and the quality of education is affected.
The intricacy of the block system
The biggest drawback of this policy is the “block system”. The government argues that this provides administrative convenience, and teachers are transferred to the nearest block. But in practice, it has proved to be the opposite. Many times in the same block, there is a huge shortage of teachers in a school, while some schools have more staff than required. Due to the complexity of the policy, adjustment is not made, and students are deprived of education.
Understand an example—Suppose there are 15 vacancies for maths teachers in a block, but 20 teachers are posted there, whereas in another block of the same district 10 vacancies are lying vacant. Due to the block system, additional teachers cannot be sent to the vacant schools even if desired. This directly harms the students.
Teachers’ perspective
Teachers do not ask for transfers just for their own convenience. They want the education system to run smoothly so that their hard work is worthwhile. When transfers remain pending for years, teachers suffer mental stress from staying away from their families. Many women teachers are serving in far-off places, leaving behind their young children. It is not difficult to imagine how much they would be able to concentrate on studies in such circumstances.
On the other hand, many teachers remain in the same place for a long time. This leads to allegations of favoritism and corruption. It is also true that teachers and principals who remain in the same school for a long time become part of local politics and get more involved in personal interests than education. It is very important to eliminate this imbalance.
Impact on education
When a school does not have a science or math teacher for years, students fall behind. Board exam results fall and the blame is often put on students or parents. But the real culprit is the system, which fails to send the right teacher on time. The Right to Education Act (RTE) says that every school must have teachers for all subjects, but the weaknesses in the transfer policy have destroyed this goal.
Role of the organization
Haryana School Lecturers Association (HASLA) is constantly raising this issue. The organization says that the government should start a time-bound transfer drive. If a school remains vacant, then the education officers at the district level should be given the right to deputation. This suggestion is practical because it can avoid the immediate crisis.
But the question is, will the government show such willpower? Many times it seems that the transfer policy is being used to maintain administrative control and political pressure. Whenever desired, the process is stopped, and whenever desired, some transfers are opened for selected people. This shakes the confidence of teachers.
Digitalisation vs ground reality
The government called it a success of “e-governance” by putting the policy on a digital platform. But just creating a portal does not solve the problem. A digital platform is successful only when there is timeliness and accountability in it. If the process is left incomplete every year, then the online system also becomes a mere show-off.
Today the situation is such that many teachers apply online every year, pay fees, upload documents, but in the end, the result is “no transfer”. In such a situation, their anger and frustration is natural.
Education Minister and reality
The education minister repeatedly says that “transfers will happen soon,” but due to bureaucracy and the complexity of the policy, the matter does not move forward. In the meantime, the session passes, and the children’s studies are affected. This issue remains in discussion at the political level too, but no concrete initiative has been taken towards a solution.
What is the solution?
- Review of the block system – either abolished or made flexible, so that teachers can reach schools where they are them.
- Time Bound Transfer Drive- It should be made mandatory to complete the process before April every year.
- Right of deputation at the district level – Officers should be given the authority to fill the vacant schools.
- Transparency and accountability – If a teacher is not transferred, clear reasons should be given.
- Human approach – There should be special provisions for women teachers, handicapped teachers, and employees working in difficult areas.
The Spirit of Education
Education is the most sacred work in society. If the teachers themselves are dissatisfied, how will they transmit positive energy to the students? A frustrated and dejected teacher will give the children the same feelings that he has within him. Therefore, it is not right to ignore the problems of teachers by considering them merely as “demand for transfer”. It is a question of strengthening the backbone of the education system.
The government should not consider teachers as mere “data” but should consider them as the foundation of nation-building. The morale of the teacher will be high only when he gets a fair and transparent system.
A place of discontent or need for reform
The biggest need of the hour is to review the online transfer policy and make necessary improvements in it. Unless transparency, timeliness, and a human approach are added to this policy, it will remain only files flashing on the computer screen, not in ground reality.
Ignoring the voice of teachers is not only an injustice to them but also playing with the future of students. The government should take immediate steps to remove this mess. Only then will the level of education improve and teachers will be able to fulfill their duties with full devotion.
