Accountability for Delayed ACRs
Principals of government colleges in Haryana will now face accountability for delays in filing the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) of teaching staff, including assistant professors, associate professors, and professors. This directive was issued by the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) in a communiqué sent to all government college principals on Friday. The move aims to address persistent administrative bottlenecks caused by late submissions.
August 31 Deadline Set
The DHE has instructed principals to complete the ACRs and self-appraisals for the academic session 2025-26 by August 31. The deadline is strict, with no extensions permitted. Any ACRs not filed within the prescribed period will be deemed cancelled. The department noted that delays in ACR filing have been a recurring issue, adversely affecting service-related benefits for teachers.
According to an official from the DHE, “The ACRs play a crucial role in assessing the performance, conduct and integrity of employees and are taken into consideration while granting benefits such as senior scale, selection grade, professor grade, promotions and extension in service but many principals/teachers use to delay the submission of ACRs forcing the DHE to issue the instructions.”
Restrictions on Relatives' ACRs
The communiqué also stipulates that principals are not competent to record the overall grading in the ACR of any employee who is their relative or family member working under their administrative control. This provision aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure impartial evaluations.
Detailed Requirements in ACR
The DHE has directed principals to ensure that the ACRs include complete examination results of all teachers. Additionally, principals must certify the number of assistant professors, associate professors, and professors posted in their colleges and confirm that no ACR is pending for submission. If any ACR remains pending, the principal must provide reasons along with complete details through the online system.
Furthermore, principals are required to certify whether any complaint, chargesheet, vigilance inquiry, or criminal case is pending against any teacher. Such details must be incorporated in the ACR. The official added, “The principals will also certify whether any complaint, chargesheet, vigilance inquiry, or criminal case is pending against any teacher. If so, complete details must be incorporated in the ACR. They have also been instructed to inform teachers about filing their self-appraisals in case they are transferred to any department or university.”
Impact on Service Benefits
ACRs are critical documents that influence promotions, senior scale, selection grade, professor grade, and extension in service. Delays in filing can lead to cascading administrative issues, affecting teachers' career progression. By enforcing the August 31 deadline, the DHE aims to streamline the process and ensure timely benefits for eligible staff.
The directive applies to all government colleges under the DHE's jurisdiction in Haryana. Principals are expected to comply strictly, with non-compliance potentially leading to disciplinary action. The DHE's move is part of broader efforts to improve transparency and efficiency in higher education administration.
