Delhi Government Proposes Salary Increase for Guest Teachers
Major Salary Boost for Guest Teachers in Delhi
The Delhi government is preparing to significantly enhance the salaries of over 20,000 guest teachers who have been serving in government schools for many years. A proposal has been drafted by the Directorate of Education and submitted for government approval. If approved, these teachers can expect their new salaries to take effect in November. This increase will benefit guest teachers across all categories: PGT (Post Graduate Teacher), TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher), and PRT (Primary Teacher).
Details of the Proposed Salary Structure
Let's delve into the specifics of the proposed salary adjustments for guest teachers in Delhi and gather insights from the teachers themselves.
Transition to Monthly Honorarium with DA
Currently, guest teachers receive daily wages calculated at ₹1,000 for each day worked. The new proposal aims to shift this to a monthly honorarium, which will include a basic salary plus a Dearness Allowance (DA). The Directorate of Education has suggested a DA of 60%, which may be revised periodically.
Proposed Monthly Honorarium Breakdown
The Directorate of Education has outlined the revised monthly pay structure for guest teachers, pending government approval. Here’s a breakdown of the proposed monthly honorarium:
| Category | Monthly Honorarium |
|---|---|
| PGT | ₹76,160 |
| TGT | ₹71,840 |
| PRT | ₹56,640 |
Contractual Employment and Leave Policy
Despite the salary increase, guest teachers will remain on a contractual basis and will not be regularized. The proposal allows for eight days of casual leave each year. Any absence beyond this will lead to a pro-rata deduction from their monthly honorarium.
Honorarium During Vacations
The proposal also states that guest teachers will receive their monthly honorarium during summer and winter vacations. If they are required to work during these breaks for tasks like admissions or extra classes, they will receive additional compensation.
Positive Reception from Guest Teachers
The proposal has been positively received by guest teachers. Shoaib Rana, a representative from the Guest Teachers Association, expressed that for nearly a decade, they have been advocating for a salary increase and a fixed pay structure. With rising inflation and stagnant wages, many have struggled to make ends meet. The Directorate of Education's initiative is seen as a commendable step, and teachers are thankful for the support from the Education Department.
Rana has urged the Delhi government to expedite the approval process for this proposal, emphasizing that it would fulfill a long-standing demand and provide much-needed financial relief, allowing teachers to live with dignity.