Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Teachers Unpaid for Eight Months
The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has not paid salaries to teachers of non-formal girls’ schools for eight months, impacting students’ education. These teachers work in 2,200 girls’ community schools, 541 basic education centre schools, and 275 National Commission of Human Development schools. Despite the minimum wage for unskilled labor being Rs. 36,000, teachers receive only Rs. 21,000.
Funding Issues and Management Changes
The schools operate under the Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation (E&SEF). A senior E&SEF official mentioned that the government hesitated to release the Rs 2 billion needed for salaries. The transfer of Zareeful Maani, the former managing director, led to inefficiencies in securing funds.
Teachers’ Struggles
One teacher shared her struggles, stating she had not been paid since March and had to borrow money to meet basic needs. Teachers also pay rent for school buildings without support from the foundation, leading to school closures.
More schools may close if the government does not release funds soon.
Doubts Revealed
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province in Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern part of the country, near the border with Afghanistan.
Non-formal girls’ schools -: Non-formal girls’ schools are educational institutions that provide learning opportunities outside the regular school system. They often focus on girls who might not have access to formal education.
Rs. 21,000 -: Rs. 21,000 refers to the salary amount in Pakistani Rupees that the teachers are being paid. It is less than the minimum wage, which is Rs. 36,000.
Minimum wage -: Minimum wage is the lowest amount of money that workers must be paid by law for their work. In this context, it is Rs. 36,000 in Pakistan.
Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation -: The Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation is an organization in Pakistan responsible for managing and funding schools. It is facing financial problems, which is affecting the payment of teachers’ salaries.
