Private school-college principals, headteachers to be hired through NTRCA

Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar (C R Abrar), Education Adviser to the interim government, has announced that principals and headteachers of MPO-listed private schools and colleges will now be appointed through the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA).

He made the announcement on Sunday (5 October) while addressing an event organised by the Ministry of Education at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital to mark World Teachers’ Day.

Teachers and staff under MPO (Monthly Pay Order) receive salaries in line with government grants, drawing basic pay and certain allowances from public funds. At present, assistant teachers are appointed through NTRCA examinations, which recommend qualified candidates. However, appointments of principals, vice-principals, headteachers, assistant headteachers, and other staff have until now been made by the governing bodies of the respective institutions. This recruitment process has long faced allegations of corruption and favouritism.

Recently, the Ministry of Education revised the rules for staff recruitment at MPO-listed institutions. Under the new system, governing bodies will no longer have a role. Instead, a committee led by the Deputy Commissioner will oversee examinations, evaluations, and recommendations, without any involvement from members of the governing body.

The government now plans to extend this system to the recruitment of principals, vice-principals, headteachers, and assistant headteachers as well. Adviser C R Abrar said: “Recruitment through NTRCA will establish leadership in educational institutions based on merit.” He also noted that the process of bringing new institutions under MPO coverage is underway.