Ministry warns primary teachers of strict action for exam boycott

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education on Wednesday issued a stern warning to assistant teachers of government primary schools, directing them to immediately resume duties and conduct ongoing third-quarter and annual examinations, failing which they will face disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

In a strongly worded press release Wednesday afternoon, Senior Information Officer Abdullah Shibli Sadiq stated that despite repeated assurances from the government, some teachers’ organisations have enforced a “complete shutdown” since December 3 and earlier work abstention from December 1, severely disrupting examinations across the country.

The ministry highlighted that teachers who wished to conduct exams have faced intimidation and physical assaults in several places.

The three main demands of the striking teachers (upgradation to 11th grade, resolution of higher-grade complexities after 10 & 16 years of service, and 100% departmental promotion to head teacher posts) have already been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Public Administration.

The matter of salary upgradation from 13th grade to 11th grade is already under active consideration by the National Pay Commission.

Finance Division has assured that action will be taken immediately after receiving the Pay Commission report.

Describing the continued boycott as “anti-disciplinary” and “putting the educational future of young students at risk,” the ministry declared: “All assistant teachers are hereby ordered to join duties without delay and complete all examination-related activities. Any further participation in work stoppage or shutdown programmes will invite action under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, Code of Conduct, and relevant sections of criminal law.”

Authorities have asked divisional and district education officers to closely monitor the situation and report non-compliant teachers for immediate action.

The tough stance comes amid mounting pressure on the interim government to resolve long-pending pay and promotion issues of nearly 200,000 primary assistant teachers while ensuring minimal disruption to the academic calendar.