During the question hour session in the National Assembly on Friday, concerns on pay disparity for National Contract Teachers were raised by Trashigang’s Thrimshing MP. He questioned the education and skills development minister, saying the current system is both unfair and unconstitutional.
Thrimshing MP Damche Tenzin said the National Contract Teachers under the consolidated wage system earn fewer benefits compared to regular contract teachers and permanent teachers.
He said the current practice denies annual increments, pension, and other entitlements for National Contract Teachers, despite them doing the same work.
He added that with over 1,600 teachers under this system, the lack of recognition and stagnant pay violates the laws of the country.
“These practices violate Chapter VI, Section 99 of the Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan 2007, and the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan.”
The Act states that an employee, upon retirement from the services, shall be entitled to gratuity and provident fund or pension.
Likewise, the constitution states that “A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to equal pay for work of equal value.”
In response, education and skills development minister Yeezang De Thapa said the authority to revise contract teachers’ benefits lies with the Royal Civil Service Commission and not the ministry.
“When it comes to making changes to entitlements and other benefits related to contract teachers, the authority lies with the Royal Civil Service Commission. Currently, even if the education ministry wants to make changes to the pay scale and entitlements, we do not have the authority.”
However, the minister said that a proposal for a National Teaching Service has been submitted to the RCSC.
It aims to provide allowances for teachers in remote areas to incentivise them. However, the minister did not share the details.
As deliberations continue, over 1,600 National Contract Teachers remain in limbo, waiting for recognition, equal pay, and the benefits they believe they rightfully deserve.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tshering Zam
