THROUGH a competitive screening process, hundreds of teachers were selected and posted as Own Pay and Scale (OPS) headmasters and principals in schools across Punjab.Those postedindividuals accepted these leadership positions with enthusiasm and commitment, believing in the public assurances that were made by senior government officials regarding genuine reforms in the education sector.
Ironically, the government’s actions have deeply demoralised the teaching community. At the time of the initiative, an attractive allowance of Rs15,000 per month was publicly announced. This promise encouraged many teachers to step forward, take on heavy administrative responsibilities, and even relocate to distant institutions away from their families.
However, once they were selected, the announced allowance was arbitrarily reduced to Rs10,000. Worse still, nearly 10 months have passed, and these individuals have not received even the basic, existing current charge allowance of approximately Rs1,200. Despite repeated public statements, the promised financial support remains absent, and the recently announced budget offers no provision for the same.Compounding this financial neglect is a severe blow to the professional dignity of the individuals concerned. The recent derogatory remarks made by a provincial minister against teachers have also hurt rather deeply and demoralised the entire community. If specific individuals are involved in corrupt practices, they must absolutely be held duly accountable, but targeting the entire teaching community is unjust and unacceptable.
Educational reforms cannot succeed solely through slogans, empty announcements or public reprimands. They require sincerity, consistency and due respect for the educators who are expected to implement them. The government should honour its commitments, safeguard the dignity of teachers, and immediately address the matter without further delay.
Name withheld on request Faisalabad