Favouritism alleged in schools as teachers exploit ‘aarzi duty’ loopholes

The controversial practice of “aarzi duty” — or temporary deputations — allegedly being used by some government school teachers in Punjab to avoid inconvenient postings has sparked discontent across the education sector. Despite clear prohibitions from the Education Department, this practice continues, raising questions about fairness, rule enforcement, and accountability.

As per orders of the Education Department, teachers were prohibited from seeking transfers, before the end of their three year probation period at a particular place of posting.

According to a directive issued by the Directorate of School Education (DGSE) on September 10, 2024, teachers from the master and lecturer cadre were explicitly barred from transferring before completing their mandatory three-year probation. The department noted that several teachers obtained transfers before completing their tenure, despite their probation not ending on August 31, 2024, and instructed DEOs to prevent such teachers from joining new schools.

These violations also contravene a 2017 Finance Department order, which restricted postings to locations outside sanctioned posts. Despite this, several teachers were found serving at schools not assigned to them officially.

A case in point is a science mistress from Government High School, Chuharwali, who was temporarily deputed to Government Senior Secondary School, Sakrularpur, SAS Nagar, until December 31, 2024, as per DGSE’s March 13, 2024, letter. The move drew serious backlash at GGSSS, Sarih, where the issue escalated into a matter of heated debate involving the School Management Committee (SMC), administration, and the transferred teacher. Under pressure, the teacher’s deputation was revoked, and she returned to her original post.Several other deputations were issued between March 6 to 31, 2024.

Karnail Phillaur, state press secretary, Government Teachers Union said, “Poor and needy teachers don’t even dream of getting such transfers. Yet, a few well-connected individuals manipulate the system for preferential postings, leaving understaffed schools and neglected students behind.”

Union leader Baljit Kulaar said, “This especially affects backward blocks like Lohian and Shahkot. Once the online portal for postings opens in summer, these areas virtually empty out.” DEO (Secondary), Jalandhar, Gurinderjit Kaur said, “All these teachers were put on temporary duties last year. No new deputations of this kind were made this year. The decision is taken by the DPI and higher ups. DEOs have no say. As far as short staffed schools are concerned, if we are asked, we give our feedback regarding that.”

Jalandhar