“If somebody files a complaint against a school for having a proxy teacher, the government will definitely take action. The government will also issue a strong warning to the head of the institution—it will be your responsibility if you allow a proxy teacher because you will be accountable as the head of the institution,” Sangma said.
The minister expressed concern over reports of schools employing proxy teachers, calling it a violation of government policies. “I heard there are some schools that have proxy teachers. This is against the principle, against the will of the government. If we receive complaints of such cases, strong action will be taken against those responsible. If you applied to become a teacher, be a teacher,” he stated.
Acknowledging the shortage of teachers in many schools, Sangma appreciated institutions that have hired additional teachers at their own expense to address the gap. However, he reiterated that delegating one’s teaching duties to another person is unacceptable. “Yes, I know that many schools face a shortage of teachers and have appointed additional teachers at their own cost—we appreciate that. However, if you (teachers) do not go to school and instead appoint someone else to carry out your work, that is wrong,” he added.