The post of mentor in the primary schools was recommended by the Sewraz report some three years back and provision has been made for the appointment of 50 officers to that grade. It has taken the ministry three years to finalise the scheme of service of the new grade, which has been imposed on teachers, as no modifications proposed by the unions were retained, one reason being that the representative of the main union did not object to the proposals of the authorities.

The majority of teachers in schools are not in favour of the criteria for the nomination exercise and this may explain why so many have chosen not to apply for the post. However, it is a fact that the authorities did not carry out the exercise earlier. Teachers are now waiting to be convened for interviews and it appears that it will take a lot of time and rumours are afloat that there may be a decision to freeze those posts.

If ever the authorities decide to proceed with filling those posts, it will take another six/seven months i.e. April/May next year. It is therefore the responsibility of the ministry to see that matters do not stand where they are and particularly to let teachers know what is happening.

It is a fact that communication is a problem in the ministry even if we are living in the computer age. Much has to be done in this connection and it would be very helpful if the new minister could address this matter. In any case, teachers who have applied should not be kept in the dark and they would be grateful if they could be informed as soon as possible for the benefit of all interested parties.

<B>A teacher</B>