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| India-Pakistan |
| The British Raj returns, to Indian schools |
| 2006-02-09 |
| In 1942, the slogan went Angrezon Bharat chhodon. Now, it sounds more like Angrezon Bharat aao. At a time when public schools have sprouted like mushrooms after rain, new players have hit upon a novel way of grabbing eyeballs: Hiring an expatriate headmaster or director, primarily from Britain. "At least three of my clients — from places as different as New Delhi, Dehra Dun and Ranchi — have asked me to find one," says former Doon School principal Gulab Ramchandani, who now works as an education facilitator and helps businessmen set up public schools. The prohibitive pay packet that a foreigner demands is hardly a deterrent. Industry sources say the trend started a couple of years ago. But now, the demand is so high that London-based education consultants are often roped in to help with recruitments. These companies do the spade work: advertising in British newspapers — The London Times ' educational supplement being a favoured spot — conducting initial interviews and short-listing candidates for final selection. Gabbitas, a London-based education consultant firm, admits it has received enquiries from schools in India seeking British-qualified staff. Earlier, low financial reward was often a deterrent to candidates. But the stance is shifting since "some schools now offer more competitive packages," said Wendy Fidler of Gabbitas in an email response. Industry sources reveal some expatriate professionals earn over Rs 2 lakh per month, including social security benefits. That is more than twice what an Indian principal makes in a very good public school. There are exceptions though. One school says it paid only about Rs 75,000 per month to an expatriate principal. 77Rs(Rupee)=1 Pound; 44Rs=1 USD. A lakh=100,000 Rupees. Therefore 2 lakh=about 2,600 Pounds/month, or $4,500/month, $54,000/yr. British headmasters in Britain aren't paid diddly. |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |