Unpaid Salaries Jeopardize Future of Non-Formal Schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has not paid salaries to teachers of non-formal girls' schools for eight months, affecting students' futures. These teachers, underpaid compared to the minimum wage, struggle financially. Government reluctance to release funds and leadership changes within the Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation exacerbate the issue.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is under scrutiny for failing to pay salaries to teachers at non-formal girls' schools for the past eight months, threatening the educational future of countless students. According to The Dawn's report, the affected educators are part of 2,200 girls' community schools, 541 basic education centers, and 275 National Commission of Human Development schools.

Despite the government's prescribed minimum wage of Rs. 36,000 for unskilled labor, these teachers receive only Rs. 21,000, underlining a significant shortfall. The schools operate under the Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation (E&SEF), yet the required Rs 2 billion to settle salaries has not been released due to governmental reluctance.

A senior E&SEF official attributed the inefficiencies to the transfer of Zareeful Maani, the erstwhile managing director noted for his diligent efforts to rejuvenate the foundation. This neglect, combined with past leadership's lack of interest, has left teachers borrowing money to meet basic needs, with some schools risking closure if salaries remain unpaid.

(With inputs from agencies.)