Govt agrees to educators’ demand

Negotiations on the 21-point charter of demands between the provincial government and the Punjab Educators Association have reached a successful conclusion.

The development is expected to bring significant changes in the educational landscape starting from the next academic year.

One of the major outcomes is the advancement of the academic calendar, with the new academic year commencing on March 1 instead of April 1.

This adjustment aims to streamline the educational processes, ensuring that all annual exams are concluded by February 28.

Integral to these negotiations was the elevation of middle-class teachers to head primary schools, a decision aimed at enhancing leadership within the educational framework. Additionally, plans were set in motion to regularise all 14,000 Assistant Education Officers (AEOs) by June 30, a move geared towards stabilizing administrative roles within the education sector.

Another significant development is the elimination of non-teaching duties for teachers, allowing them to focus solely on their core responsibilities in the classroom. Furthermore, there's a notable emphasis on the promotion and appointment of Secondary School Teachers (SST) from the 17th and 18th scales as heads of high schools, aligning with efforts to strengthen school leadership.

In a bid to facilitate teaching effectiveness, 150,000 tablets are set to be distributed among teachers this year, leveraging technology to enhance instructional practices and resource access.

The negotiations spanned four hours, led by Muhammad Safdar, the central president of the Punjab Educators Association, and Sikandar Hayat, the Provincial Education Minister. The outcome was met with positive responses from association leaders and provincial officials, emphasising the success of the talks in addressing key concerns and reaching consensus on critical issues.

Among the agreed-upon measures are service protections, no arrears, and the extension of seniority benefits from the date of joining. Additionally, steps were taken to address stalled promotions in districts, ensuring timely reporting and implementation of promotions for all concerned officers.

Further reforms include streamlined processes for dengue activities, medical and health insurance coverage for teachers and their families, incentives for performance improvement such as motorbikes and cars, and subject-wise promotions in districts on a priority basis. Retirement conditions have also been revised, offering more flexibility and options for teachers nearing retirement age.

Overall, these negotiations signify a significant step towards reforming and improving the educational landscape in Punjab, addressing critical issues and laying the groundwork for a more efficient and supportive system for teachers and students alike.

To prevent exploitation and enhance governance, a committee comprising both administrative and teacher representatives will oversee amendments to demands and service rules, ensuring a fair and supportive environment for educators.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2024.