Licence rule for teachers sparks backlash

Teachers' unions announce protests; accuse government of undermining professionals

RAWALPINDI:

The education department has made it mandatory for teachers of all categories to obtain a "teaching licence," which will be issued after formal tests and interviews.

Teachers who fail to obtain the licence will be dismissed from service. The decision will be implemented during the current academic year.

All teachers' organisations have rejected the move, stating that requiring a licence despite qualifications such as CT, B Ed, M Ed, MPhil, and PhD reflects a lack of trust in teachers.

Education Minister Rana Sikandar said that just as a driving licence is mandatory for driving, a teaching licence should likewise be mandatory for those shaping the nation.

There will be three types of teaching licences: Primary, Middle, and Secondary. Eligibility criteria include relevant academic qualifications and teaching experience: ADE degree holders for primary, four-year elementary B Ed for middle, and four-year B Ed for secondary levels.

Candidates will be required to pass a test and pay a prescribed fee. The licence will be valid for five years, with renewal requiring an additional fee and completion of prescribed courses. Late renewals will incur penalties.

Licences may be revoked by the competent authority in cases of serious misconduct or misuse. The government plans to extend the licensing requirement to private-sector teachers after consultations with stakeholders.

Leaders of various teachers' organisations, including the Punjab Teachers Union, Educators Association, and Headmasters Association - Dr Sagheer Alam, Rana Liaqat, Akhyan Gul, Basharat Iqbal Raja, and Mohammad Shafiq Bhaluwalia - criticised the move, saying those imposing the requirement had themselves studied under these teachers.

They warned against turning education into a "laboratory for experiments" and alleged that the government aims to privatise public schools. They also criticised the elimination of 31,000 posts, calling it educational destruction, and announced protest demonstrations starting next Monday.

Major reshuffle

The Education Department has decided to replace all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), District Education Officers (DEOs), and Deputy District Education Officers (DDEOs) across 43 districts in the province.

New appointments for these positions will be made through a formal process involving written tests, screening tests, and interviews. A circular outlining the criteria and procedure has been issued.

For CEOs, candidates must be in Grade 19, under 55 years of age, hold a master's degree, and have at least two years of administrative experience.

For DEOs (male and female), the requirements include Grade 19, age up to 55, a master's degree, and at least one year of administrative experience. For DDEOs, candidates must be in Grade 18, under 50 years of age, hold a master's degree, and have one year of administrative office experience.