Education minister, Norbu Wangchuk said temporary teachers will fill in vacant positions as a result of many teachers on maternity leave.
Lyonpo was responding to a question in the National Council’s Question Time.
Gasa’s NC MP, Sangay Khandu had asked about the government’s strategies to address prolonged and temporary vacancy of staff positions, particularly teachers.
More than 40 percent of teachers in the country are female.
“Earlier, when maternity leave was for three months, a teacher of the same school would fill in for the teacher on a maternity leave. But, since the leave has been extended, it has become a matter of concern.”
Maternity leave was extended to six months from three months, recently.
Lyonpo said they have been discussing with the Royal Civil Service Commission. “Very soon, we will put in place temporary teachers to solve the problem.”
The minister also said they have recruited new teachers to take up posts rendered vacant after some resigned.
He said they have also replaced those on extraordinary leave.
