LAHORE, Feb 6: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi has announced a waiver of Rs370.7 million due from 350,000 teachers, who simultaneously got promotions and increments in salaries, in the province and stopped the finance department from taking any action for the recovery of the amount.

A delegation of Punjab Teachers Union on Thursday told the chief minister that the government had introduced an educational examination scheme to enhance the capability of teachers. Under the scheme, those qualifying the examination were given two increments in their salaries.

But at a later stage, the government changed the policy and granted promotion to the next grade to those qualifying the examination.

Most teachers had started enjoying both facilities. The government after learning this, ordered them (teachers) to return the drawn amount.

The chief minister also stopped the National Bank from charging Rs25 monthly service charges on teachers’ account.

He directed the education department officials to prepare recommendations for the restoration of teachers’ selection grade.

He also ordered review of the group insurance scheme for the government employees.

The chief minister assured them that all educational policies would be formulated with the consultation of teachers community.

Education minister and secretary were also present in the meeting.

Mr Elahi said a special package was being prepared to reward hardworking teachers. He promised that teachers who performed well would be consulted while taking decisions on educational affairs.

He said the literacy rate in the province could not be raised without the help of teachers.

The chief minister said teachers were not given due respect in society. To enhance their dignity, the government was planning to formulate a policy so that their due status could be restored.