A major controversy has erupted in Pakistan's education sector as teachers' and pensioners' organisations strongly criticise the government's push towards privatising public educational institutions. Representatives from the Punjab Teachers Union (PTU), Educators Association, and Education Pensioners Association have denounced the outsourcing of government schools and colleges under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework and the newly introduced Schools of Eminence programme.
Allegations of Job Losses and Low Wages
According to reports, PTU President Ramzan Inqalabi, Educators Association President Basharat Iqbal Raja, education activist Akhiyan Gul, and Education Pensioners Association Secretary General Shafiq Bhalowalia, speaking at a press conference, described the policy as a severe blow to Pakistan's public education system. The leaders claimed that nearly 15,000 government schools were outsourced during the previous year, leading to the elimination of around 50,000 teaching positions.
The organisations alleged that permanent teaching staff in outsourced institutions have increasingly been replaced by graduates and MPhil degree holders hired by private operators on salaries ranging from Rs8,000 to Rs10,000 per month. Union leaders argued that such wages fall drastically below the government's prescribed minimum wage of approximately Rs45,000 for unskilled labourers, raising concerns about exploitation within the education sector.
Impact on Teachers' Livelihoods
The representatives further claimed that many teachers employed under private managements do not receive salaries during summer vacations, while school heads are reportedly earning only around Rs12,000 per month. They stated that these conditions are undermining both the quality of education and the dignity of the teaching profession.
Schools of Eminence Programme Under Fire
Criticism was also directed at the Schools of Eminence initiative. While the programme reportedly offers starting salaries between Rs50,000 and Rs60,000, union leaders argued that employees are deprived of pensions, gratuity benefits, and long-term job security. The organisations fear the model will eventually eliminate permanent employment opportunities for future generations of teachers.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between the government's push for privatisation and the concerns of educators who see it as a threat to the public education system. As the debate continues, the future of Pakistan's education sector remains uncertain.
