Punjab Outlook

Chandigarh-The National Alliance of People’s Associations (NAPA) today issued a strong appeal to the Punjab Government to immediately accept and implement the long-pending demands of Computer Teachers working in government schools and institutions across the state. These demands, pending for years despite repeated assurances, are directly linked to improving the quality of digital education in Punjab and ensuring justice for thousands of qualified educators.

For over a decade, Computer Teachers have been contributing tirelessly to impart computer literacy and digital skills to Punjab’s youth, yet they continue to face neglect in terms of service conditions, job security, and fair pay. NAPA emphasizes that in the era of Digital India, ignoring the genuine grievances of these educators is not only unjust but counterproductive to the state’s education goals.

Key Demands of Computer Teachers:

Regularization of Services: Immediate regularization of all contractual, outsourced, or SSA/RMSA-appointed Computer Teachers who have completed the requisite years of service.

Pay Parity and Equal Pay for Equal Work: Implementation of pay scales at par with regular teachers of equivalent qualifications, with full basic pay and allowances as per government norms.

Abolition of Outsourcing Contracts: Ending the practice of hiring through outsourcing agencies, which leads to exploitation and denial of statutory benefits.

Grant of Service Benefits: Inclusion of Computer Teachers in the state government’s service cadre with pension benefits, annual increments, medical facilities, and other service-related entitlements.

Job Security: Assurance of no retrenchment or displacement during policy changes or budget cuts.

Promotion Policy: Establishment of a clear career progression path, including promotions to Senior Computer Teacher, Lecturer (IT), or equivalent posts.

Training and Skill Upgradation: Regular professional training programs to keep pace with evolving technology.

Arrears and Pending Dues: Immediate payment of pending arrears, salary delays, and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred for school IT maintenance.

Inclusion in All Education Schemes: Recognition of Computer Teachers as integral staff in all government education projects and schemes, ensuring representation in policy-making.

NAPA calls upon the Punjab Government to hold urgent negotiations with representatives of the Computer Teachers’ associations and announce a concrete action plan with timelines. The delay in resolving these matters is not only demoralizing for the educators but also hampers the vision of making Punjab a leader in IT-enabled education.

NAPA reiterates that the government must honor the contribution of Computer Teachers, whose dedication and expertise have been pivotal in bridging the digital divide in rural and urban Punjab. We firmly stand with their cause and will continue to support all peaceful and democratic means to achieve justice for them.