Despite the passage of two and a half years, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) is yet to enhance the salaries of around 40 female teachers in light of the package announced by the prime minister in 2010.
Except the ‘40 unlucky’, all male and female teachers associated with the FDE have been promoted and are getting enhanced salaries.
Teachers working in BPS-9 had been promoted to BPS-14, while those working in BPS-14 had been given grade 16. But, owing to the negligence of FDE, 40 female teachers of BPS-9, despite meeting the criteria, could not be promoted.
“All of my colleagues are enjoying upgraded salaries but I have been ignored. I’m being deprived of my right. Whenever I visit FDE, the concerned officers tell me this is not a big issue and claim the work is in progress,” said an affected teacher.
The ‘unlucky’ teachers have been running from pillar to post to get their due right, but people at the helm of affairs are least bothered about the matter at hand.
Talking to Pakistan Today, another female teacher, seeking anonymity, said officers in FDE taunt them saying their raised salaries could be a surprise for them in the shape of a‘committee’.
“This is sheer injustice with us. This is a violation of our rights. Being a female, I can’t be going everyday from my school to FDE and then to the Ministry of CAD. The clerk in FDE without any justification is sitting on our files while the incumbent government which promoted us is going to complete its tenure. We don’t know what policy the next government would pursue and therefore we want our dues right now,” said a frustrated female teacher.
The teachers demanded the secretary of Ministry of Capital Administration and Development (CAD) and FDE DG, to pay heed towards their genuine issue and order immediate release of their salaries.
When contacted, FDE DG Shahnaz A Riaz told Pakistan Today that she would personally look into the matter. “Let me make it clear, if the teachers in questions fulfill the criteria, they would be given their due right without any further delay,” she said.