Seven DPS teachers suspended

LAHORE:The conflict between the administration and teachers at Divisional Public School (DPS) Lahore has escalated, with the school principal suspending seven teachers on charges of “misconduct, inefficiency and gross negligence.”

These teachers have also been barred from entering the school premises following their suspension. The suspension letters warn that failure to comply with the orders could result in further disciplinary action, including the termination of their services.

This development emerges after show-cause notices were issued to several teachers earlier, accusing them of violating school rules and tarnishing the school’s reputation by making allegations against the administration in the media. The teachers were given a deadline of September 20 to respond, with the risk of ex-parte action if they did not provide a valid defence.

The ongoing dispute stemmed from teacher protests against what they described as unfair policies, including the removal of medical benefits, the lack of annual pay raises, and the discontinuation of the leave encashment facility. Teachers have also criticised the administration for raising school fees and fines, which they claimed have contributed to a decline in student admissions.

DPS Principal Brig (retd) Khurram Mahmood Rana supported many of the measures observing that DPS was an autonomous institution and despite a budget deficit, the school gave a 10-12% salary increase. He also observed that the BoG shifted to the Sehat Card scheme for medical benefits due to complaints of misuse, a decision made prior to his tenure.