OPPOSITION member of Parliament and former education minister Premila Kumar has questioned why teachers with upgraded qualifications are still waiting for salary increments.
In a statement, the former education minister said they were informed that teachers who graduated in December 2023 and April 2024 were still waiting for their salary upgrades, despite meeting all the necessary requirements.
“What message are we sending to our hardworking teachers?” Ms Kumar asked.
“In the 2023-2024 budget, $8.9million was allocated specifically for teacher qualification upgrades and step movements. However, in the 2024-2025 National Budget, this critical allocation was left out.
“How is it possible that teachers, who play a crucial role in shaping our children’s future, have been overlooked by the Government?
“This is such a dire matter, not just for teachers and students, but for the nation as a whole, and it is strange and disturbing that the teacher’s union has gone silent on this matter.”
Mrs Kumar called on the Minister for Education to provide immediate clarity on this issue and asked how the issue had been allowed to persist.
“What is the ministry’s plan to rectify the situation, especially now that there is no specific budgetary allocation for qualification upgrades?”
In addition, Mrs Kumar said the consequences of this neglect were absolutely devastating as in high-demand fields like mathematics and physics, teachers with upgraded qualifications earned just $16,354.
She said Australia and New Zealand were actively recruiting these skilled STEM teachers.
“Each month, more teachers are leaving the profession, and who can blame them? Their dedication is not being rewarded, and this is affecting our children’s education.
“If the ministry’s approach does not change, we risk losing more talented teachers to countries that value their contribution.
“Our teachers are stretched thin, as numerous schools grapple with unfilled positions, and this is directly affecting the quality of our children’s education.
“Without swift intervention, the ongoing silence will only deepen the discontent among teachers and jeopardise the quality of education in our schools.”
Questions sent to the Ministry of Education remain unanswered.
