School heads feel DoE must take stand on census work

PANJIM, JAN 18
Heads of schools are finding themselves in a quandary over a written communication issued by the Directorate of Education that has asked them not to schedule any examination during the period of training and field operations for census work between January 2011 and March 15, 2011, as directed by the Central Registrar General & Census Commissioner. 
As per the communication, the Registrar General India addressed a letter to the Chief Secretary in which it states it was necessary to ensure no examinations involving the teaching staff engaged for census work were scheduled during the period of population enumeration.   
Some of the schools have already finished their mid-term tests from January 14 to 17, while some have started and will finish on January 20. Also, the preliminary examination for SSC students is scheduled from January 21 to 29.
Deputy Director of Education Anil Powar, however, adds the circular cannot be taken literally. “Exams can be conducted, but those teachers engaged in census work have to go. By and large primary teachers are being used for this work and teachers called from aided schools are very few,” he states.
However, a very senior headmaster from an aided school speaking on condition of anonymity argues even if a few teachers are called who will handle their study portion and other related duties. In contrast to what Powar says, he mentions the circular of Registrar General states it was necessary that prior to and during the period of census no examination should be conducted so that teachers could devote enough time to this important task of national importance.  
Some of the heads of schools are seeking clear-cut instructions from the DoE in this regard and feel it should take some stand. They said communication issued by the directorate contains the circular of the Registrar General to the Chief Secretary, who in turn has forwarded the same to the State Directorate of Panning, Statistics and Evaluation. 
When contacted, Director of Education Dr Celsa Pinto said she could not ignore the circular from the Centre. However, she added the heads of schools can come to her and discuss the matter to find a solution.