Reject show-cause notices, demand cancellation of assessments
The online Teachers Need Assessment (TNA) test system for evaluating Education Department staff has failed to operate effectively. On October 28, primary teachers did not participate in the online test, leading the Education Department to issue show-cause notices to 1,000 teachers in the Rawalpindi division, withholding their November salaries and requesting police help from deputy commissioners.
On the other hand, teachers have refused to receive the show-cause notices saying they would not attend personal hearings.
In a surprising error, a show-cause notice was issued to the late Majid Ali, a teacher who passed away two years ago. His family expressed confusion, questioning why the department issued a notice to a deceased person. This incident left Education Department officials in disarray.
The Grand Teachers Alliance fully rejected the TNA test and initiated a complete boycott. After failed attempts to administer the test in exam centres, the Education Department permitted teachers to take the online test from home. Primary teachers were scheduled for October 28-29, middle school teachers for October 30-31, and high school teachers, including headmasters and headmistresses, on November 1-2. Officials warned that teachers failing to comply would face salary cuts, show-cause notices, and potential legal action.
On October 28, the first day for primary teachers, only 3% participated in the online test despite efforts by education officers to encourage participation via calls and messages.
News published in the Express Tribune on 29th October 2024
