PTU stage protest against privatization of government schools

Multan: The Punjab Teachers Union members have threatened to prohibit the upcoming primary exams if the government did not proclaim to take away its decision about the privatization of schools.

This statement was made in a rally headed by vice-president of Punjab Teachers Union Rana Altaf Hussain, which was started from Chowk Nawan Sher and ended at the Multan Press Club. The strikers carrying banners as well as placards intoned slogans in favour of their demands.

“Punjab Teachers Union (PTU) will protest in front of Punjab Assembly on May 14^th against educational policies of the Government”

They strongly criticized the proposed privatization of schools and handing over the government sector schools to the NGOs. The protesting teachers alleged that they had Masters Degrees however they were appointed in scale nine whereas the clerks of other departments having just matric degree were appointed in BPS-14 or in the above grade, which was not just unfair but also was an insult to teaching profession.

They warned the government that if their demands were not met then they will expand their protest and will also stage a protest in front of Punjab Assembly in Lahore on May 14^th, 2016. Vice President of Punjab Teachers Union Rana Altaf said that the teachers were the most reputable members of society who play a very important role in nation development by educating as well as by training the new generation.

He bemoaned that the government and society were treating the teachers as a second class residents. He moreover said that the Punjab government had planned to privatize 5,000 schools steadily in the province.

The office-bearer of Punjab Teachers Union Tahir Warraich said that the strategy of government regarding teachers will not be accepted. Ashfaq Ansari said that the planned privatization of approximately 5,000 primary and 648 higher secondary schools in Punjab was inexcusable. Rana Abdul Qayyum said that if the government moves further along with the planned strategy it will badly affect the children studying at the government sector schools.