Reserve government jobs for government school-educated candidates: HRD Minister

Ranchi: State human resources development (HRD) minister Jagarnath Mahto Wednesday courted controversy by proposing that only those having received education in government schools will get government jobs.

However, later, Mahto sought to clarify his stand by saying that he wanted improvement in the performance of government schools.

Reacting on the issue, state finance minister Dr Rameshwar Oraon said it was not possible and that Mahato wanted to create a good image of government schools.

The HRD minister, meanwhile, speaking to teachers and para teachers at Bhushan High School in Nawadih, said the posts of headmasters, currently lying vacant in all government schools, would be filled soon. Instructions have been given to the department officials in this regard, he said.

Mahto said model schools would be set up in all panchayats of the state. He said the honorarium of all para teachers would be paid within a week. The delay in payment was caused by closure of treasury due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing teachers, Mahto said they should focus on building a bright future of children. The education department has made all textbooks available to children, he said.

Mahto said the government teachers would be kept free from at least 95 per cent non-academic work.

¨The state government spends Rs 25,000 on every child each year. Government teachers are given more salary than their private school counterparts. They should try to change the mindset of parents so that they start sending their children to government schools. Quality education should be imparted in government schools to change the mindset of parents,¨ he said.