Teachers not paid for exam, paper checking duties despite FDE promises

Islamabad:Female teachers in Islamabad’s government schools and colleges have complained that the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) hasn't paid them for examination and paper marking duties performed in the last four years.

They told 'The News' that despite repeated Federal Directorate of Education assurances, they hadn't received even the meagre Rs150 per day remuneration, which was "shamefully low" given the rising inflation and the extensive work involved.

The teachers assigned to centralised primary and middle standard exams by the Federal Directorate of Education insisted they're in financial distress, with many bearing additional expenses out of their own pockets.

They revealed that despite performing exam duties, including paper collection, invigilation and marking, they hadn't been paid since 2020. A teacher of IMCB I-8/3 said he had to rent a taxi daily for Rs3,000 to transport exam materials, a cost he bore for 15 days each year.

"With soaring inflation, this is a huge burden, yet the FDE has not reimbursed me," he said. The paltry Rs150 per day remuneration, less than the cost of a single meal in Islamabad, has drawn sharp criticism.

Teachers argue that the amount does not even cover basic expenses, forcing them to spend personal funds on essential materials like sealing wax, thread, packing cloth and transportation. "I marked answer scripts for centralised exams of class VIII but received nothing in return," said another teacher.

"The FDE provides no support, no transport, no materials and now, no payment." Despite multiple complaints, the FDE’s Academic Cell has failed to resolve the issue. Teachers allege a pattern of neglect, with officials making empty promises while ignoring their legitimate demands.

They urged education secretary Mohyuddin Ahmzd Wani to intervene and ensure their long-pending dues are released. "We demand justice," a teacher said. "If the government expects us to work honestly, it must at least pay us what we are owned, no matter how small the amount."

Another teacher said the prolonged delay in payments, coupled with the "insultingly" low remuneration, highlighted systemic disregard for the educators' contributions. She said with inflation at record highs, the Rs150 per day rate was not just inadequate, it was exploitative.