Pune, 29 August 2025: A large number of schools run by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) are functioning without principals, forcing teachers to juggle teaching and administrative work. Out of 105 municipal schools, nearly 25 to 30 are currently without a head.
The shortage has arisen because several senior teachers have declined promotions to the post of principal. While the education department prepared a seniority list and began the promotion process in June, many teachers either refused or expressed unwillingness to take on the role. In their absence, responsibilities have been handed over to senior teachers or even assistant teachers in some schools.
This situation has added to the burden of teachers who, apart from teaching, now have to manage non-academic tasks such as uniform distribution, mid-day meal arrangements, and school committee meetings. Teachers say this is affecting classroom teaching and ultimately impacting students.
Officials from the education department said that the process of appointing principals is underway and many schools are expected to get full-time heads soon. They acknowledged that around 25 municipal schools still lack principals but assured that the appointments will be completed gradually.