Opposition MP and former Education Minister Premila Kumar has expressed concerns regarding the delay in salary increments for teachers who have recently upgraded their qualifications. In a statement, she highlighted that teachers who graduated in December 2023 and April 2024 have yet to receive their salary upgrades, despite fulfilling all necessary requirements.
“What message are we sending to our hardworking teachers?” Ms. Kumar questioned. She pointed out that the 2023-2024 budget allocated $8.9 million specifically for teacher qualification upgrades and salary adjustments, but noted that this allocation was excluded from the 2024-2025 National Budget.
She further emphasized the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of children and questioned how the government could overlook them. “This is a serious issue, not just for teachers and students, but for the nation as a whole,” she remarked, expressing her surprise that the teachers’ union has remained silent on the matter.
Kumar urged the Minister for Education to clarify the situation and to explain how this issue has been allowed to continue. She inquired about the ministry’s plan to address the lack of budgetary allocation for qualification upgrades.
She also pointed out the stark consequences of this oversight, particularly in high-demand areas such as mathematics and physics, where teachers with upgraded qualifications are earning only $16,354. Kumar noted that countries like Australia and New Zealand are actively recruiting skilled STEM educators.
“Each month, more teachers are leaving the profession, and who can blame them? Their dedication is not being rewarded, which is affecting our children’s education,” she lamented. She warned that if the ministry’s strategy does not change, the country risks losing more talented teachers to nations that appreciate their contributions.
Kumar stressed that teachers are overburdened as many schools struggle with unfilled positions, directly impacting the quality of education for children. She called for immediate intervention, cautioning that the ongoing silence could further alienate teachers and compromise educational standards.
Inquiries directed to the Ministry of Education have yet to receive a response.