Unpaid teachers call for exam reforms

Despite diligent efforts, they have been left unpaid for exam duties for three years

ISLAMABAD:

Teachers engaged in conducting centralised primary and middle standard exams under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) have come forward with grievances regarding unpaid remuneration and burdensome expenses incurred during exam duties for the last three years.

Frustrated by unmet promises and financial strain, these teachers advocated for a shift towards local exams to alleviate their plight. Despite assurances from FDE authorities, teachers allege that for the past three years, they have not received their rightful remuneration for conducting exams and assessing papers.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, several female teachers while talking to media lamented the dire situation, highlighting the financial hardships they endure to fulfil their duties. One of the teachers revealed, “FDE conducts centralised exams and teachers have to bear the exams expenses from their pocket which is ridiculous. The expenses include transportation costs to exam centres, purchasing materials for sealing answer scripts, and covering transport expenses to deliver materials to FDE.”

Another teacher recounted, “I hired a taxi, collected the exam material from FDE and deposited answer scripts daily during the exams but FDE never provided transport facility or paid transportation cost. I paid from my pocket. The absence of reimbursement for expenses incurred during exam duties has left me feeling undervalued and disrespected.”

Promises made by FDE officials regarding payment for exam duties remain unfulfilled, she said. “For three consecutive years, the FDE has failed to reimburse teachers for their diligent efforts in administering exams and assessing papers. While appointing teachers for examination duty, teachers are assured of payment but unfortunately, the promise of FDE officers never fulfilled,” shared another teacher.

The situation is compounded by the lack of support from FDE in providing the necessary materials and facilities for conducting exams. Teachers report purchasing materials such as clothes, sealing wax, and packing material with their own money, without any reimbursement from FDE.

Additionally, the absence of paper collection facilities further adds to the logistical challenges faced by the teachers. Despite assurances of payment, teachers lament the recurring excuse of the Accountant General Pakistan Revenue (AGPR) withholding funds, leaving them to shoulder the expenses personally.

In light of these grievances, teachers have proposed the abolition of the centralised exam system in favour of local exams conducted within respective schools. This proposal aims to relieve teachers of the financial burden associated with centralised exams and ensure a more sustainable and equitable system for teachers and institutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2024.