Teachers reject mandatory licensing plan

ISLAMABAD: Punjab’s education department has introduced a mandatory teaching licence requirement for teachers across all categories, a move that has triggered strong opposition from teachers’ organisations.

Under the new policy, teachers will have to secure a teaching licence through formal tests and interviews. According to the decision, those who do not obtain the licence will be removed from service. The measure is set to be enforced during the current academic year.

Education Minister Rana Sikandar defended the policy, saying that just as a driving licence is required for driving, a teaching licence should also be compulsory for those responsible for educating the nation.

The department has outlined three categories of licences: Primary, Middle and Secondary. The eligibility criteria vary by level. ADE degree holders will qualify for the primary licence, candidates with a four-year elementary B Ed degree will be eligible for the middle level, while a four-year B Ed degree will be required for the secondary category.

Applicants will have to clear a test and submit a prescribed fee. The licence will remain valid for five years. Renewal will require payment of another fee as well as completion of prescribed courses, while delayed renewals will attract penalties. The rules also state that the competent authority may cancel a licence in cases involving serious misconduct or misuse.

The government also plans to expand the licensing system to teachers in the private sector after consultations with stakeholders.

Teachers’ bodies announce protests

Teachers’ organisations have rejected the decision, arguing that making a licence compulsory despite qualifications such as CT, B Ed, M Ed, MPhil and PhD shows a lack of confidence in teachers.

Leaders from the Punjab Teachers Union, Educators Association and Headmasters Association — Dr Sagheer Alam, Rana Liaqat, Akhyan Gul, Basharat Iqbal Raja and Mohammad Shafiq Bhaluwalia — criticised the policy and said those introducing the requirement had themselves been taught by the same teachers now being subjected to the new condition.

They warned against turning education into a 'laboratory for experiments' and alleged that the government was seeking to privatise public schools. They also objected to the removal of 31,000 posts, describing it as educational destruction.

The organisations said protest demonstrations would begin next Monday.

Administrative reshuffle across 43 districts

Separately, the education department has decided to replace all Chief Executive Officers, District Education Officers and Deputy District Education Officers in all 43 districts of the province.

Fresh appointments to these posts will be made through a formal selection process that includes written tests, screening tests and interviews. A circular has already been issued setting out the criteria and procedure.

For the post of Chief Executive Officer, candidates must be in Grade 19, be under 55 years of age, hold a master’s degree and have at least two years of administrative experience.

For District Education Officers, both male and female candidates must also be in Grade 19, up to 55 years old, possess a master’s degree and have at least one year of administrative experience.

For Deputy District Education Officers, the requirements include being in Grade 18, under 50 years of age, holding a master’s degree and having one year of administrative office experience.