The FDE has declared the education ministry a no-go zone for teachers and personnel
The teaching and non-teaching staff of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) are caught in a bureaucratic web after the FDE set limitations on their visits to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MOFEPT).
Frustration has grown among FDE staff, who are now facing additional obstacles as a result of this ‘ illogical’ circular.
Some teaching and non-teaching staff members believe the FDE’s interpretation of the government servants’ conduct regulation “seems like a manipulation of the 1964 rules.” They said that the circular hampered their ability to seek timely settlement of their grievances and long-standing difficulties, notably those about delayed payments of the rental ceiling, time scale grants, and regular appointment instances of teachers. They were dissatisfied with the FDE’s “inefficiency,” which compelled them to seek assistance from higher authorities.
An anonymous instructor bemoaned, “The rental ceiling for the last two years has not been paid to my house owner, who is now threatening to evict me.” My complaint was not resolved by the FDE, so I had to take it up with higher-ups in the education ministry. It is absurd that the FDE has barred its employees from pursuing their cases before the ministry.”
“I have not been granted the higher time scale since 2020,” said another teacher. Unfortunately, FDE is not properly pursuing time-scale instances at the ministry level, thus I have had to take it upon myself to seek resolution from higher-level ministry officials. Unfortunately, the FDE’s failure to resolve disputes has resulted in a rise in the number of cases ending up in court.”
“The notification is still pending with the ministry,” said a teacher who has been recommended by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for appointment as a regular employee. That is why instructors fight for regular appointments after their duty hours have ended.”
A group of female teachers also expressed worry about the FDE’s failure to correct the 4-tier promotion system, which had been interrupted due to the upgrade of BPS-16 posts in 2011. Teachers, frustrated by the lack of progress, are locked in a bureaucratic stalemate, shuttled between the FDE and the ministry.
“On the one hand, the FDE is not resolving our issues; on the other hand, it is imposing restrictions on our movement to pursue our issues at the MOFEPT,” said another teacher.FDE has never fostered a welcoming environment for its employees.”
“It is absurd to hold me responsible for my staff’s actions after duty hours, especially if they choose to go to the ministry after 2 pm to pursue their cases,” a school administrator said of the new code of conduct. The letter from the FDE attributing accountability for staff conduct during their own time is illogical. Instead, the FDE should concentrate on resolving teachers’ problems so that they do not pursue matters elsewhere.”
When reached, FDE Acting Director General Tanvir Ahmed informed Dawn that teachers reported to the FDE headquarters rather than the education ministry. “These guidelines are not novel… Teachers abandon their primary responsibility of teaching, leaving classrooms and pupils unattended to visit the ministry and other offices, which is tantamount to wasting students’ time…,” he stated.
“Media should also help the administration sensitize the teaching community to give priority to the students and resolve their issues through the FDE which is available and open even after their school/college hours,” Mr. Ahmed said.