Opposition member of Parliament and former education minister Premila Kumar has raised concerns regarding the delay in salary increments for teachers who have upgraded their qualifications. In her statement, she highlighted that educators who graduated in December 2023 and April 2024 are still awaiting their salary adjustments, despite fulfilling all requirements.
Kumar questioned, “What message are we sending to our hardworking teachers?” She pointed out that the 2023-2024 budget allocated $8.9 million specifically for teacher qualification upgrades and step movements, yet this crucial funding was omitted in the 2024-2025 National Budget.
She expressed disappointment at the government’s oversight of teachers, who are essential in shaping the future of children. Kumar criticized the teacher’s union for its silence on this urgent issue, emphasizing that it affects not only teachers and students but the nation as a whole.
She called on the Minister for Education to provide immediate clarification regarding the situation and inquire why it has persisted. She asked, “What is the ministry’s plan to address this issue, particularly in light of the lack of budgetary allocation for qualification upgrades?”
Kumar noted that the consequences of this oversight are severe, especially in high-demand subjects like mathematics and physics, where qualified teachers earn only $16,354. She pointed out that countries like Australia and New Zealand are actively recruiting skilled STEM educators.
She warned that if changes are not made, more teachers may leave the profession, which would adversely affect educational standards. “Our teachers are stretched thin, as many schools struggle with unfilled positions, directly impacting the quality of education for our children,” she said.
Kumar urged for prompt action, stating that the current silence on the matter will only exacerbate teachers’ discontent and threaten the quality of education. Inquiries sent to the Ministry of Education have yet to receive a response.