Education Minister hints at separate pay scale for teachers

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Tuesday (August 18) said the government is seriously considering a separate pay scale for teachers.

Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled "Khelay Khelay Shikhi" at a city hotel, he said teachers' salaries should not be compared with any other profession. He added that a separate salary structure is necessary considering their vital role in nation-building.

Replying to a query regarding improving teachers' living standards, the minister said the government is giving deep thought to the matter, though discussions are ongoing due to various proposals from different teachers' associations.

Dr Milon noted that a distinct pay scale could be formed for teachers that would stand apart from other services, stressing that no comparison holds true for teachers regardless of the amount.

Referring to respect for the teaching profession, he recalled a recent comparison made by an opposition MP in Parliament regarding primary school teachers' salaries, calling such comparisons inappropriate for their dignity. He emphasized that along with pay and allowances, teachers' professional status and living conditions must be prioritized.

Addressing the teacher shortage, the minister pointed out that many posts, including headmaster positions in primary schools, have remained vacant since 2017 due to litigation and administrative delays. He assured that the government is trying its best to expedite recruitment.

Presided over by National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE) Director General Farid Ahmad, the event was attended by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Huq, Save the Children Country Director Suman Sengupta, and Directorate of Primary Education Director General Shahena Ferdousi as special guests.

-SA