An unusual situation has been created at a leading girl’s school in Kalmunai when the principal of the school who was serving on contract basis after his retirement at the age of 60 years and resigned from the post had returned to the school reappointed.
It is alleged A.H.A. Bahseer was serving at the Mahmood Ladies College in Kalmunai as principal and went on retirement at the age of 60 years after an additional extended period of 5 years to his service, in August 2008.
With his influence within the education department and outside A.H.A. Basheer was able to remain in the school after 60 years, serving on contract basis when there are qualified teachers both males and females suitable to be appointed as principal to this school.
Just before the general election and with the intention of contesting at the election Basheer resigned from his post of contracted principal on 24th February, 2010. He contested the election from the Ampra district under the National Congress of Minister Athulla in the UPFA ticket and was not elected to parliament.
It is learnt Basheer has been reappointed once again by the Secretary of the Eastern Provincial Education Ministry to the same school Mahmood Ladies College on the 5th of this month and the Kalmunai Zonal Director of Education M.T.M. Thowfeek had made an entry in the school log book in this regard the same day.
When Muslim Guardian contacted the Zonal Director of Education M.T.M. Thowfeek he confirmed that the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Education had reappointed A.H.A. Basheer by a letter given to him and he in turn advised the present principal of the school Uthuman Ali to hand over the duties back to the former principal.
According to some teachers here the provincial ministry of education is not empowered to reappoint teachers or principals on retirement to schools and the authority is with the ministry of education of the central government.
Meanwhile a secretary attached to one of the provincial ministries here has told Muslim Guardian that it is possible for the provincial ministry to reappoint a government servant to service on the recommendation of the governor.
People here say most of the teachers at this school did not vote for Basheer at the last general election, for they looked at him as principal and not as politician. It is said the teachers, students and the parents fearing reprisal from the principal who is now a politician are at present in fear psychosis as his leader is the present minister for provincial councils and local government.
The teachers, parents of students and the public here are much concerned and worried fearing the fate of not only their children but also the school going to a politician which they suspect, will be ruined in due course.
It should be mentioned this girl’s school in Kalmunai has produced a number of academics and professionals like principals, lectures of universities, doctors, engineers and accountants. Although the long and committed service of Mr.Basheer behind the achievement of the school is appreciated, his re-entry to the school after turning in to an active politician has created dissatisfaction and chaos.
Courtsey : muslimguardian.net
