“Eight Weeks Without Pay: Teachers Deserve Answers”

Former Minister for Education and Member of Parliament, Premila Kumar, has slammed the Ministry of Education for what she describes as a “disgraceful” failure to pay graduate teachers who have been waiting for their salaries for over eight weeks.

In a strongly worded statement, Kumar said, “These teachers have fulfilled their duties and stepped into classrooms with dedication, and yet, after eight long weeks, they are still waiting to be paid. This is completely unacceptable.”

She also raised alarm over two months of unpaid FNPF deductions, calling it an insult to the hardworking educators.

“Why have teachers’ FNPF deductions not been deposited into their accounts? These are teachers’ hard-earned contributions—delays in processing them are simply unacceptable,” she said.

Kumar emphasised that the situation is especially dire for teachers deployed in remote and rural areas.

“Many are struggling to meet basic living costs. No teacher should have to endure this kind of neglect, least of all those responsible for shaping the next generation,” she said.

According to Kumar, the issue reflects deeper problems within the Ministry. “This delay is not just an administrative failure—it is a betrayal of trust. How can we expect teachers to give their best when they are being treated with such indifference?” she asked.

She also criticised what she described as a culture of nepotism within the Ministry of Education. “Reports suggest that appointments within the Ministry are based on personal connections rather than merit, creating inefficiencies that are now hurting those on the ground,” Kumar said. “How can we expect the system to function smoothly under such circumstances?”

Kumar is demanding answers from Education Minister Hon. Aseri Radrodro and his Permanent Secretary. “What steps are they taking to fix these ongoing failures in the Ministry’s HR department? What safeguards will they put in place to ensure teachers are never placed in this position again?” she asked.

She concluded by calling for immediate action. “This situation is an embarrassment, and the Ministry must take full responsibility. Teachers must be paid now—anything less is an insult to those who dedicate their lives to educating our children,” Kumar said.