‘Appointing teachers in TN kindergarten for time being’

CHENNAI: Amid opposition by several stakeholders, including political leaders, with regard to the appointment of temporary teachers in the State-run kindergarten schools, the Tamil Nadu government has clarified that its move to recruit teaching staff was purely on a temporary basis and it was only for a time being.

As the Tamil Nadu government has decided to retain LKG and UKG under its control, the School Education Department has decided to appoint teachers for kindergarten classes on a temporary basis with a consolidated salary of Rs 5,000 per month.

Justifying the move a senior official from the School Education Department, seeking anonymity, told DT Next that the decision to recruit temporary teachers taken since the enrolment for LKG and UKG classes at Anganwadis in as many as 2,381 in government elementary and middle schools and panchayat union schools were over.

"At present, there were only a few teachers available to take classes for kindergarten children,” he said adding that the recruitment through Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) will consume more time.

Pointing out that the government has also given priority to appointing the volunteers, who worked for the 'Illam Thedi Kalvi' (education at door steps) scheme, since the volunteers were earning only Rs 1,000 per month, they will now have an opportunity to earn more by taking classes for LKG and UKG.

"In addition, the priority in the recruitment of the volunteers is purely to encourage them for the good work for bridging the learning gap of the kids,” he said adding that similarly, the classes for the children have to begin soon and even orders were also given to provide free uniforms for them when the schools begin,” he added.

Stating that the teachers, who will be appointed on a temporary basis, could not claim permanent jobs in the future, the official said once TRB streamlined its recruitment process, qualified teachers as per the teachers' employment rule will be appointed for kindergarten classes.

The official also said that about 30,000 kids were admitted in both LKG and UKG this year and all of them would be beneficiaries of State's nutritious meal scheme, the official added.