Punjab CM Mann approves over 120% salary hike for Adarsh School teachers
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has approved a salary hike of more than 120% for teachers working in the state's Adarsh Schools, raising their monthly pay from around Rs 10,000 to over Rs 22,000. The decision, announced on Tuesday (August 25), will benefit around 1,100 teachers, according to reports from CNBC TV18 and The Times of India.
The approval was made during a meeting Mann chaired with a delegation of Adarsh School teachers. An official release confirmed the hike and stated that it reaffirms the state government's commitment to ensuring that "those shaping Punjab's future must themselves receive fair compensation, dignity and due recognition," as reported by The Times of India.
Mann said successive governments had failed to adequately recognize the contribution of teachers, who he called "the backbone of our education system." In a quote carried by both outlets, he said: "Teachers are the backbone of our education system. For nearly two decades, these teachers have served with dedication despite receiving a meagre salary. Our government has decided to correct this long-standing injustice by increasing their salaries by more than 120 percent."
The Times of India also quoted Mann adding, "When teachers feel secure and respected, students receive better education," and stating that "every genuine demand of the Adarsh School teachers had been addressed after years of neglect under previous governments." CNBC TV18 reported that Mann said the government is committed to the welfare of every section of society.
Enhanced facilities and broader impact
Along with the salary increase, Adarsh School teachers will receive enhanced service facilities based on the Kendriya Vidyalaya school pattern, improving their overall service conditions. Both news outlets noted that more than 15,000 students are currently enrolled in the CBSE-affiliated Adarsh Schools in Punjab.
The state government said the move was aimed at addressing the long-standing demands of teachers and enabling them to carry out their responsibilities under better working conditions, as reported by CNBC TV18. Mann emphasized that the government would continue to safeguard the interests of teachers, noting that strengthening the education system begins with empowering those who build it.