Daily Times

There is a sense of deprivation among the teachers’ community as they are struggling for the acceptance of their demands regarding their status in society. Under the banner of Grand Teachers’ Alliance (GTA), teachers have threatened to come on the road again to protest government’s apathy in addressing their concerns. After years without an increase in pay, government teachers still dedicate themselves to their jobs. It is understandable that there are various budgets and projects that require attention and money, but this should be a priority as well. If teachers sweat to impart education to students, then it should be the government’s responsibility to take care of its teachers. These men and women devote their lives to give all students an education. There should be a way to repay them and at the very least increase their pay and address their other legitimate demands.

In recent months, there have been negotiations between the education authorities and representatives of teachers’ unions but so far, they have been unable to reach a compromise. Originally, teachers have been demanding ending the disciplinary action against school heads, upgrading their pay scale as well as resolution of pending promotions of teachers and their regularisation on temporary jobs as well as stopping the privatisation of public schools in Punjab. In an effort to have their voices heard, teachers boycotted classes and staged protests on the road but no tangible results have been achieved as the impasse still persists between the Punjab government and teachers’ bodies. If the impasse was not resolved, then there is a likelihood that teachers will go on strike again and it could lead to more chaos in the education sector. Regardless, there is no doubt that teachers should be able to receive a notable raise for their hard work and dedication. It’s difficult to compensate teachers what they do for the society, but this is another chance for the government to get something done for teachers for which they really deserve. It is sheer injustice on the part of the concerned authorities that has forced teachers to come on the roads for the acceptance of their demands. Teachers are a respectable community in society and their grievances need immediate redress. It is high time that the Punjab government reviewed its education policies. It is hoped that it will sit with the teachers to address their legitimate demands. Education is not merely a matter of priority for Pakistan; it is also the future of the country that lies in educational and professional development of its educated youth. Government must revise the curriculum and make arrangements for training of teachers, even in far-flung areas. There is an immediate need to invest in the current and future generations’ education. Government needs to give due attention and incentives on par with high-level government officials to teachers for promotion of education and eradication of illiteracy. *