Punjab CM approves 120% salary hike for Adarsh Schools teachers, benefiting 1,100

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday approved a significant hike in the salaries of teachers employed in Adarsh Schools, raising their monthly remuneration from around Rs 10,000 to over Rs 22,000, according to an official release.

The decision will benefit approximately 1,100 teachers and reaffirms the state government's commitment to ensuring that those shaping Punjab's future receive fair compensation, dignity and due recognition, the release stated.

Chairing a meeting with a delegation of Adarsh School teachers, Mann said successive governments had neglected the teaching community despite their pivotal role in shaping the future of Punjab. He noted that for nearly two decades, these teachers had served with dedication despite receiving a meagre salary.

"Teachers are the backbone of our education system. For nearly two decades, these teachers have served with dedication despite receiving a meagre salary. Our government has decided to correct this long-standing injustice by increasing their salaries by more than 120 percent," he said.

The Chief Minister added that teachers would not only receive enhanced salaries but would also be extended facilities on the Kendriya Vidyalaya pattern, providing them with improved service conditions. This move is aimed at bringing the service conditions of Adarsh School teachers at par with those in central government schools.

Adarsh Schools are state-run, CBSE-affiliated institutions in Punjab. More than 15,000 students are currently studying in these schools, and the state government remains fully committed to protecting the interests of both students and teachers, Mann said.

"When teachers feel secure and respected, students receive better education. Our priority is to safeguard the interests of teachers so that the future of every child studying in these schools remains secure," he added.

The Chief Minister emphasised that every genuine demand of the Adarsh School teachers had been addressed after years of neglect under previous governments. He asserted that the government is committed to the welfare of every section of society and will continue ensuring that teachers can discharge their responsibilities in a smooth and hassle-free manner.

"Our government is committed to the welfare of every section of society. We have accepted the legitimate demands of these teachers and will continue ensuring they can discharge their responsibilities in a smooth and hassle-free manner," he said.

The salary hike is seen as a major step towards improving the quality of education in Punjab's Adarsh Schools. By addressing the long-pending demand of teachers, the state government aims to boost morale and attract more qualified educators to these institutions.

Adarsh Schools were established to provide quality education to students, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. However, teachers in these schools had been drawing salaries significantly lower than their counterparts in other government schools, leading to demands for parity.

The decision comes in the backdrop of the Punjab government's broader efforts to strengthen the education system in the state. The government has previously announced several initiatives aimed at improving school infrastructure, digital learning and teacher training.

With this hike, the monthly emoluments of teachers will rise from approximately Rs 10,000 to over Rs 22,000, marking an increase of more than 120%. The government has also assured that the new pay structure will be implemented in the coming months, with due process.

Teacher unions and education experts have welcomed the move, terming it a positive step towards recognising the role of educators in nation-building. The decision is expected to benefit not only the teachers but also the thousands of students who study in these schools.

The meeting between the Chief Minister and the teacher delegation was described as cordial and constructive. The delegation thanked Mann for addressing their demands and expressed confidence that the improved service conditions would enable them to contribute more effectively to the education of students.

This development underscores the state government's focus on education and its commitment to the welfare of teachers, who play a crucial role in shaping the future of Punjab's youth.