Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, June 20: In a significant development for Tibetan education in exile, 50 contractual teachers of the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS) have been granted permanent positions following an evaluation process. Among them are 15 Pre-Primary Teachers (PPRTs), responsible for early childhood education, and 35 Primary Teachers (PRTs), who teach grades 1 to 5.
In addition to the confirmed appointments, 11 PPRT applicants and 13 PRT applicants have been placed on a waitlist. Their potential recruitment hinges on the final choices of several candidates who qualified in both categories. Should these candidates opt for one post over the other, it would open up additional permanent slots for those on the waitlist.
The STSS, one of the four major school systems under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), oversees numerous Tibetan schools across India and has faced persistent challenges in recent years due to a large portion of its teaching staff being employed on temporary contracts. This lack of job security has contributed to a high attrition rate, affecting the consistency and quality of education. The recent decision to grant permanent positions to contract teachers is seen as a vital step toward strengthening institutional stability, addressing long-standing staffing issues, and ensuring greater continuity in the Tibetan education system.
By the end of this year, a reliable source speaking to Phayul has confirmed that Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society also plans to place not only Pre‑Primary and Primary Teachers on a permanent footing, but also Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs) who teach grades 6 through 10 and Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) who teach grades 11 and 12. These educators will undergo the same evaluation process as the PPRTs and PRTs, with successful candidates being appointed to permanent positions across the secondary and higher‑secondary levels of the STSS system.
The transition to permanent status comes after the Department of Education of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) secured both verbal and written approval from the Indian government to regularize contract-based teaching staff. Education Minister Changra Tharlam Dolma officially announced the decision during the recent budget session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The matter was raised by MP Ven. Kunga Sotop, voiced concern over the long-term impact of teacher turnover and called for the transition of contract teachers into permanent positions.
