In a fresh wave of disappointment, computer teachers across Punjab have accused the state government of going back on its commitments. According to the Punjab Computer Teachers’ Association, the state Finance Minister had earlier accepted their long-pending demands, including a Dearness Allowance (DA) hike and the implementation of the Pay Commission benefits. However, the teachers now allege that the government has once again refused to fulfill these assurances.
The association stated that during earlier meetings, the Finance Minister had given verbal consent and a positive assurance that the demands of computer teachers—who have been serving for years on meager salaries—would soon be met. These included parity with other education department employees, timely DA installments, and pay revision under the latest commission. But to their shock, recent government communication has denied these very benefits.
Leaders of the association called the move a “betrayal” and accused the authorities of playing with the emotions of thousands of contractual and regularized computer teachers who keep Punjab’s school system functioning in the digital age. “The government made big promises before elections and during our last talks, but now they have taken a complete U-turn. This is injustice to the teaching community,” the association’s spokesperson said.
The teachers have warned of renewed protests and district-level demonstrations if the government does not immediately implement the promised DA hike and Pay Commission benefits. They emphasized that despite handling vital computer education tasks, digital record management, and administrative duties, they continue to face discrimination in pay and allowances compared to their counterparts in other departments.
As frustration mounts, the issue once again highlights the widening gap between the government’s public assurances and the ground realities faced by Punjab’s teaching workforce. The association has urged the Chief Minister and Finance Minister to reconsider the decision and restore the faith of employees who feel cheated by repeated reversals.