Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab government has approved a salary hike of more than 120% for teachers working in Adarsh Schools across the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the decision will benefit around 1,100 teachers, whose monthly salaries will increase from nearly ₹10,000 to more than ₹22,000.

Chief Minister announced the decision on Tuesday following a meeting with a delegation of teachers. Mann said teachers are the backbone of the education system and deserve fair salaries and respect for their services.

He said the government had accepted the legitimate demands of Adarsh School teachers, many of whom have been working for nearly two decades on low salaries. The Chief Minister stressed that providing them with financial security and better service conditions was necessary to strengthen the education system.

More than 15,000 students are currently studying in these CBSE-affiliated Adarsh Schools. Mann said better financial security and service facilities for teachers would also contribute to securing the future of students.

He added that teachers who feel financially secure and respected would be able to perform their responsibilities more effectively and provide better education to students.

Mann also alleged that previous governments had ignored the important role played by Adarsh School teachers. He said his government had accepted their genuine demands and would continue to safeguard their interests.

Along with the salary hike, teachers will also be provided facilities on the lines of Kendriya Vidyalayas. The move is expected to improve their service conditions and provide them with a better working environment.

Chief Minister said the state government remains committed to the welfare of all sections of society and would not ignore the interests of its employees.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, School Education Secretary Sonali Giri and other senior officials attended the meeting.