Teachers demand withdrawal of controversial HTAT circular in Gujarat

The Gujarat Education Department’s recent circular regarding HTAT (Head Teacher Aptitude Test) has sparked strong opposition from teachers organisations across the state. Under the new decision, HTAT-qualified head teachers of government primary schools may be given additional charges of another school located within a 15 km radius if that school has an approved head teacher post lying vacant. 

The All India National Education Federation has criticised the move and submitted a representation to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, demanding that the circular be withdrawn.

According to the teachers’ body, the government often speaks about improving the quality of education, but assigning the responsibility of two schools to one head teacher could negatively affect school administration and students’ learning.

The federation pointed out that a similar rule introduced in January 2026 allowed additional charge within 10 km radius. Despite concerns raised by educators at that time, the distance has now been increased to 15 km creating further difficulties for the head teacher. 

Federation president Pravinsinh Vaghela and general secretary Rameshbhai Kher stated that head teachers already handle several responsibilities, including academic planning, administrative work, implementation of government schemes, financial management, online operations, and communication with parents.

Adding the responsibility of another school, they said, would significantly increase their workload and create mental stress.

They believe that managing two schools at the same time could affect the quality of education and overall functioning of both institutions.

The body has suggested that, instead of assigning additional charge to head teachers from other schools, vacant posts should be temporarily handled by senior teachers within the same school, as was done earlier.

Teacher’s representatives have urged the state government to reconsider the decision and withdraw the circular in the larger interest of students and schools.