Teachers urge FDE to settle four-year-old exam duty payments

ISLAMABAD: Female teachers working in government schools and colleges in Islamabad have expressed serious concerns over non-payment of examination and paper marking duties performed in the last four years.

As per the details, despite several assurances from the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), the teachers claim that they have not received a single rupee, including a daily honorarium of Rs150, for their work.

Speaking to the media, the teachers described the situation as highly unfair and financially burdensome, especially amid rising inflation. Those assigned by the FDE to conduct centralized primary and middle school examinations said they have had to meet additional expenses out of pocket, with no compensation provided for essential items or transportation.

A teacher from IMCB I-8/3 revealed that he spent about Rs3,000 per day on taxi fares to transport exam materials — which is 15 days a year — without any compensation. “Given the current inflation, it is a huge burden. The FDE has not paid me a single rupee,” he said.

The teachers highlighted that the Rs150 daily rate is less than the cost of a meal in Islamabad and does not even come close to covering basic expenses. They said that duties like monitoring, marking, paper collection and packaging often require them to buy items like wax, thread and packing cloth from their own pockets.

“I marked answer sheets for the centralised Class VIII exams but got nothing in return,” said another teacher. “No transport, no materials, and no payment now — that’s how the FDE works.”

Despite numerous complaints, the FDE’s academic cell has allegedly failed to take any action. The teachers allege that they are constantly ignoring their legitimate demands and making empty promises.

They are now urging Education Secretary Muhyiddin Ahmed Wani to personally intervene and ensure that their long-overdue payments are released without any delay.

“We are demanding justice,” said a teacher. “If the government expects us to work with integrity, it should at least honour its promises, no matter how small the amount is.”

Another educationist called the Rs 150 rate not only grossly inadequate but also insulting. He argued that in the current economic climate, the amount was not just inadequate but downright exploitative.

The teachers stressed that the issue was not just about money, but about recognition, fairness and respect for the hard work of teachers, without whom the education system cannot function.