Teachers protest extended hours

Warn of province-wide movement against increased school timings

RAWALPINDI:

The teachers' organisations staged a protest by wearing black armbands while attending schools as usual. The protest was against the extension of working hours for teachers in government schools and is set to continue on August 19.

Various organizations have rejected the move, calling it a violation of the Education Code. According to Muhammad Rauf, a representative of the teachers' associations, the Education Code stipulates a 5-hour workday in summer and 6 hours in winter. Extending these to 8 hours is seen as cruel and unjust, with the intention of preventing teachers from protesting against injustices, including privatization.

Educators Association President Basharat Iqbal Raja, along with leaders Anwar Mughal, Muhammad Shafiq Bhalwalia, and Shahid Mubarak, criticised the Punjab government's decision. They argued that the government should not treat teachers as mere subjects for experimentation. They described the chief minister's actions as hostile to government employees and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the decision to extend school hours. Otherwise, they warned of escalating protests, including a province-wide movement against increased school timings.

In addition, teachers announced plans for further protests addressing other concerns, such as school privatisation, leave encashment, salary taxes, contract tenure, and the permanence of education officers. They emphasised that their actions aim to ensure that education remains accessible to the children of the poor.