Chitwan Private School Teachers Demand 21% Salary Hike and Rs. 5,000 Allowance, Warn of School Closures

The Institutional School Teachers' Union (ISTU), Chitwan, has submitted a memorandum to PABSON Chitwan, demanding salary increases and improved service benefits for teachers and employees working in private and boarding schools. The union has warned of phased protests, including school closures and suspension of classes, if its demands are not addressed within the specified deadlines.

The memorandum, dated 2083/07/17 and signed by ISTU Chitwan President Diwakar Paudyal, was addressed to the President of PABSON Chitwan.

The letter states that although private schools have made significant contributions to the education sector, their teachers and employees continue to face problems such as low remuneration, lack of appointment letters, and inadequate recognition of additional work.

Major Demands of Teachers and Employees

The union has presented the following demands:

1. 21% Salary Increase: Salaries should be increased by 21%, in line with the salary increase granted by the government to public employees, to ensure remuneration appropriate to current conditions.

2. Salary Adjustment from Shrawan: A written agreement should be reached to implement the government-announced salary increase from Shrawan of fiscal year 2083/84. The increased amount, calculated from Shrawan, should be provided before Tihar.

3. Monthly Dearness Allowance: Every teacher and employee should receive a monthly dearness allowance of Rs. 5,000 in consideration of rising living costs.

4. Social Security and Legal Benefits: Provisions relating to the Social Security Fund, leave, and other legally prescribed service benefits should be implemented.

5. Mandatory Appointment Letters: Schools must provide appointment letters in accordance with the Labour Act and prevailing laws and ensure the corresponding employment benefits and protections.

6. Additional Payment for Sunday Classes: Extra classes conducted on Sundays should be properly managed, and teachers and employees working on those days should receive additional remuneration.

7. Compensation for Work on Holidays: Teachers and employees should not be required to attend school on public holidays, festivals, or other holidays. If they are required to work, they must receive additional allowances or compensatory leave in accordance with applicable rules.

Phased Protest Programs if Demands Are Not Addressed

ISTU Chitwan has stated that teachers and employees will launch coordinated, phased protests if their demands are ignored.

First Phase: Protest Within 24 Hours

If the demands are not addressed within 24 hours of submitting the memorandum, teachers and employees will:

• Conduct classes while wearing black armbands as a symbol of protest.

• Organize peaceful protests within school premises.

• Conduct protest programs highlighting their demands and displaying the memorandum.

Second Phase: School Closures After 48 Hours

If a written agreement regarding the 21% salary increase and Rs. 5,000 monthly dearness allowance is not reached within 48 hours, the union has warned that further pressure-building programs will be implemented, including:

• Closure of schools.

• Suspension of teaching and learning activities.

Further Protest Programs

The union has also stated that additional protest programs will be announced as necessary if its demands remain unfulfilled.

Union Calls for Fair Remuneration and Dignified Working Conditions

The memorandum states that fair remuneration and dignified service benefits for teachers and employees are matters of legitimate rights rather than charity or favours.

The union argues that educational quality cannot be expected to improve without strengthening the economic and professional conditions of teachers.

It has urged PABSON Chitwan to coordinate with the concerned school operators and ensure that the demands are implemented as soon as possible.

The memorandum highlights concerns relating to teachers' professional needs and working conditions, alongside employment protections and employee rights under workplace regulations.

Published Date: 2083/07/17