The BJP government in West Bengal is planning to implement new regulations for selecting governing body members in state-run schools. These rules aim to diminish political influence in the schools’ operations. Under the proposed blueprint by the state school education department, all governing body members will be elected rather than selected, a departure from the previous system under the Trinamool Congress government.
The governing body secretary position will be an exception, automatically filled by the headmaster or headmistress of the respective school. Additionally, more than 70% of governing body member positions will be reserved for the students’ guardians in these schools, as stated by a state education department official.
The chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of the committees will also be reserved for guardians, while the remaining 30% of positions will be designated for local academicians. Each governing body will include two locally elected public representatives, provided they are elected as governing body members. Furthermore, the term for governing bodies will exceed two years, with a restriction on re-election for current members except for the secretary post.
The government’s plan includes setting a maximum number of governing body members: 15 for primary schools, 20 for secondary schools, and 25 for higher secondary schools. Teacher associations have largely supported this initiative, with Chandan Kumar Maiti from the Advanced Society for Headmasters and Headmistresses emphasizing its alignment with the National Education Policy. Swapan Mondal from the Bangiya Shikkhok and Shikkhakormi Samiti expressed optimism that the proposed system will help curb the politicization of school administration.
