PESHAWAR: Teachers on Thursday warned they would agitate across the province after one month if the government didn’t accept their demands, including merger of all adhoc relief with basic salary, revision of their scales, and establishment of a hospital.

The warning was issued by Muttahida Mahaz-i-Asatza chairman Abdul Manaf Khan during a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club.

Flanked by general secretary of the grouping Riaz Khan, senior vice chairman Mohammad Sharif and vice chairman Pirzada Dilfaraz Khan, Abdul Manaf said all adhoc relief should be merged with basic salary of teachers and that their scales should be revised.

He also said the hospital should be established for teachers through the Education Employees Foundation funds on the pattern of Fauji Foundation Hospital set up for former army men.

Abdul Manaf also complained about the growing political intervention in postings and transfers of teachers, which, he said, had adversely affected the functioning of the education department.

He said the education department should be freed from political elements.

The grouping’s chairman demanded introduction of a uniform education system in the province to the benefit of common man.

He said the contract and adhoc policy in the department was not in the interest of teachers and therefore, the appointment of teachers should be made on permanent basis instead of hiring their services on adhoc basis.

Abdul Manaf demanded BPS-17 for senior school teachers in light of their experience and educational qualification.

He said the education department should recognise BSC degree of teachers which had already been approved by the University of Peshawar and other varsities.

The grouping’s chairman demanded BPS-16 for CT teachers in light of a Peshawar High Court decision.

He said a special quota for children of teachers in the department’s jobs and training should be allocated, while they should be given free education from primary to university levels.

Abdul Manaf warned if the provincial government didn’t accept their demands by the end of February, then teachers would begin agitation across the province.

“A phase-wise protest will be launched. That will include boycott of classes, holding of processions, and staging of a sit-in outside the chief minister’s house,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play