The Indian Express              30.08.2013 

Unclean toilets in schools: PCMC to stop increments of 21 principals

Additional Municipal Commissioner Tanaji Shinde, who heads the education department, said during an inspection it was found that toilets in the schools were not fit to be used. "The civic education office has issued orders to stop increments of these principals for the next year," he said.

However, Shinde said if the principals take necessary steps and ensure that the toilets remain clean, their increment will restored. "We will inspect the schools again after some time. If the toilets are clean, we will order restoration of the increments," he said.

The principals, however, protested the civic body's decision. "It is wrong to hold the principals responsible for this. PCMC has appointed private contractors to ensure cleanliness of the school premises and toilet facilities. If these private contractors fail to perform their duties, then they should be hauled up and not the principals," said a principal who did not wish to be named.

Shinde said that though private contractors are appointed to ensure cleanliness, it is the duty of the principals to get the work done. "The principals have failed in their duty to ensure cleanliness. They can take corrective action to avoid this situation," he said.

The action against the principals has irked the standing committee members who demanded that the civic administration withdraw from their stand. Members said principals were not responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the schools. "Their job is about imparting education. Are they supposed to clean?" members asked.

However, the civic administration said it was necessary to make them accountable so that they get the work done from the appointed contractors.

The committee members threatened to adjourn the meeting over the issue. They suggested that the work of monitoring cleanliness in the school should be given to the health department and work of security should given to the security department.

Standing committee chairman, Navnath Jagtap, expressed displeasure with the civic action.

Shiv Sena corporator Aasha Shendge said , "The teachers are given multiple tasks such as elections and census work. It is not right to burden them further."

NCP corporator Mahesh Landge, a standing committee member asked, "When PCMC has appointed an agency for cleanliness, then why are headmasters of respective schools being held responsible?"