Chandigarh: The UT administration has cleared long-pending promotions of govt school principals, benefiting a total of 16 officials across general, SC, and PWBD categories. Nine of them are from the general category, four are SC, and three PWBDs (persons with benchmark disabilities). The promotions were approved on the recommendations of the departmental promotion committee and are effective immediately in pay matrix Level-12 of the 7th CPC.

The administration said the move ends years of stagnation for senior teachers and headmasters, restores morale, and strengthens leadership in schools. Among those promoted are Ripjot Kaur (PGT English, GMSSS-27), Sangeeta Chhabra (PGT English, GMSSS-39), and Narinder Singh (PGT Physics, GMSSS-20), Rai Veerinder Kaur (PGT Hindi, GMSSS-15), Harinder Kaur (PGT Punjabi, GMSSS-40), Vanita Saini (PGT Music, GMSSS-35) and Rupinder Chawa (PGT English, GMSSS-23-A).

Governor and administrator Gulab Chand Kataria said supporting educators is essential for improving student outcomes. Education secretary Prerna Puri said the promotions empower school leadership from the ground up. Chief secretary Rajiv Verma noted that restoring timely promotions is crucial for accountability and institutional efficiency.

The promoted officials will serve a probation period of one year. Any refusal or ineligibility could result in reversion to previous posts.

The administration expects the move to boost morale, strengthen school leadership, and create a more effective learning environment for students.