Hyderabad: In a bid to curb proxy teaching and ensure accountability, the Telangana School Education Department has directed all government-run schools to display photographs of their teachers in a common area on the school premises. The directive applies to government, local body, KGBV, Model, and TGREIS schools, with immediate effect.
Official Directive Issued
School Education Director EV Narasimha Reddy recently issued an order instructing school authorities to prominently showcase teachers’ photographs, with provisions to update them in case of transfers or retirements. “All District Educational Officers (DEOs) are requested to ensure compliance by instructing headmasters, special officers, and principals of respective schools under various managements to display teachers’ photographs in a common area, preferably in the teacher civil list,” the order stated.
The directive also mandates district coordinators, Mandal Educational Officers (MEOs), and other officials to monitor the implementation of the rule during their visits to schools. This initiative aims to achieve 100 percent compliance across the state.
Nationwide Concern Over Proxy Teachers
The issue of proxy teachers has been a persistent problem in government schools across the country. To address this, the Ministry of Education recently instructed all states to adopt the practice of displaying teachers’ photographs. The decision was highlighted as a priority during the third Chief Secretaries’ Conference held by the Ministry.
In Telangana, cases of proxy teaching have surfaced in remote areas, particularly in Khammam district. Reports suggest that some senior teachers have hired individuals from villages to work on their behalf for payments of up to ₹10,000. Additionally, allegations have emerged about certain teacher union leaders skipping work without proper authorization.
A Move Toward Transparency
The new initiative is not only expected to tackle proxy teaching but also to address absenteeism among teachers. By making the identity of teachers publicly visible, students and parents will be able to report any discrepancies, such as missing or unassigned teachers.
Officials believe this measure will help restore accountability in the education system and improve the learning environment for students.
