RECENTLY, the Sindh education department, through the IBA Sukkur testing service, selected thousands of primary and junior elementary school teachers (JESTs). I was also selected under the latter category from Johi taluka of Dadu district.

Indeed, the whole recruitment process was on merit basis. Many closed schools were reopened as a result of these appointments, and the government overcame the shortage of teachers in functional schools.

However, unfortunately, in the name of monitoring of these teachers, certain dishonest members of the department concerned have been harassing the teachers by asking for bribes on a monthly basis; otherwise, they are told, they would be targeted.

One day, when I was on casual leave, a monitoring assistant visited my school and took down a note that I was absent even though I was on a casual leave, which is my right under the relevant rules and regulations. There were other teachers who also faced a similar situation in the district.

The following day, an associate of that monitoring officer came to me and said that if I pay a ‘monthly amount’ to the said official, my case would be dealt with ‘leniently’. I told him I was sincere with my profession, and that the officer concerned should also perform his duty honestly.

All the relevant offices, especially of the chief monitoring officer of Dadu district, should take action against such officials and their corrupt associates.

Name withheld on request
Dadu

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2022