THIS is a good piece of news that the non-government teachers listed on the monthly pay order scheme, who had demonstrated for 10 days, beginning on October 12, to push for an increased house rent in percentage of their basic pay, have returned to classrooms after the government increased their house rent. The teachers, who demanded 20 per cent of their basic pay in house rent, banded under the platform of the Alliance for the Nationalisation of Educational Institutions on MPO Scheme and went on demonstrations after the government on September 30 had added Tk 500 to their house rent of the fixed Tk 1,000, which is a pitiable amount by any standard when prices and inflation are high. Their fellows in government institutions are, however, paid 45 per cent of the basic pay in house rent. They also demanded Tk 1,500 in medical allowance instead of only Tk 500 and 75 per cent of the basic pay in festival allowance for non-teaching staff. The adviser on education to the interim government on October 19 proposed 5 per cent of the basic pay, or a minimum of Tk 2,000, in house rent, beginning on November 1, noting that even half a per cent more cannot be approved.
The teachers on October 17 went on hunger strike for an indefinite period and fast unto death on October 19. The teachers called off their movement after the government on October 21 had set their house rent to 15 per cent of the basic pay 鈥� 7.5 per cent beginning on November 1 and the remaining 7.5 per cent beginning on July 1, 2026 鈥� or a minimum of Tk 2,000. The teachers at the same time announced that they would take classes Saturdays until the year-final examinations to make up for the academic losses caused by the movement. But what remains deplorable is the government鈥檚 stand on and attitude to teachers鈥� payment. The government鈥檚 initial recalcitrance and later having conceded to the demand, not fully though, as the teachers on demonstrations intensified their movement, speak of a poor commitment to education. Teachers had to take to the streets on almost every occasion to push for their legitimate demands. Whilst the government goes for huge spending in other sectors, it remains close-fisted when it comes to teacher payment. This is unacceptable that the government would keep showing such negligence towards teachers, who should be highly paid in view of the fact that they need to remain free of financial worries to devote all their time and energy to teaching students.
The government should, therefore, have education and the teachers who impart education as a priority on its agenda and act accordingly.
