Punjab Announces Massive Increase in Salaries for Certain School Teachers

Significant Salary Enhancements for Teachers

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s administration has introduced a structured salary enhancement plan that benefits a wide range of teaching professionals:

• Associate Teachers (BA pass Education Providers): Monthly salaries have been increased from Rs. 9,500 to Rs. 20,500.
• Teachers with ETT and NTT Qualifications: Their pay has been raised from Rs. 10,250 to Rs. 22,000 per month.
• Teachers with BA/MA and BEd Degrees: Salaries have been elevated from Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 23,500 monthly.
• Inclusive Education Volunteers (IEVs): Compensation has surged from Rs. 5,500 to Rs. 15,000 per month.
• Education Volunteers (EVs): Their remuneration has seen a fivefold increase, from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 15,000 monthly.
• Teachers under EGS and AIE Programs: Salaries have been enhanced from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 18,000 per month.

These adjustments are governed by the newly implemented ‘Policy for Welfare of Adhoc, Contractual, Temporary Teachers (Nation-Builders) and other employees in the School Education Department,’ which also introduces benefits such as paid holidays, maternity leave, and a guaranteed annual increment of 5% until the age of 58.

Additional Financial Incentives

In the 2024-25 provincial budget, the Punjab government approved a 25% salary increase for employees in grades 1 to 16 and a 20% raise for those in grades 17 to 22. Pensioners also received a 15% increment.

Furthermore, the School Education Department is considering a significant boost in the charge allowance for head teachers and principals, with proposed increases ranging from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 per month, a substantial rise from the previous allowances of Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500.

Comprehensive Educational Reforms

These salary enhancements are part of the broader Public School Reorganization Program initiated in 2024. Under this program, the number of teachers in 5,000 government schools has increased by 89%, and student enrollment has risen from 242,000 to 368,000. The initiative also includes the construction of 35 new classrooms and the renovation of 400 existing ones, aiming to create a more conducive learning environment.

Conclusion

The Punjab government’s decision to significantly increase teachers’ salaries reflects a strong commitment to improving the educational landscape of the province. By providing better financial incentives and working conditions, the government aims to attract and retain qualified educators, ultimately enhancing the quality of education for students across Punjab.