Fresh Directives on MPO February Salaries

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued stringent new instructions concerning the disbursement of February salaries for teachers and employees enlisted under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme. The move is aimed at ensuring the swift transfer of funds through the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) system and reinforcing accountability at the institutional level.

In an official letter released on Monday, 23 February, the Directorate directed heads of educational institutions to submit their February MPO bills online no later than 24 February. Failure to comply within the stipulated deadline will result in the non-transfer of salaries for the concerned teachers and staff via EFT.

The DSHE has emphasised that any incorrect or intentionally misleading information submitted in the bill process will place full responsibility upon the institution’s head should the MPO funds fail to reach the intended recipients. This measure, officials suggest, is designed to minimise administrative discrepancies and ensure greater transparency in public fund management.

Digital Submission via EMIS

Institution heads are required to log into the Education Management Information System (EMIS) using their assigned credentials and access the MPO-EFT module. Within this system, they must calculate the payable MPO amount for each teacher and employee individually in accordance with prevailing regulations.

Once the bill is submitted online, a downloadable copy must be printed, signed by both the head of the institution and the chairperson of the governing body, and retained for record-keeping purposes. The Directorate has underscored the importance of preserving these documents to address any future audit queries or administrative disputes.

Special Cases and Adjustments

The directive also outlines procedures for exceptional circumstances. If a listed teacher or employee has passed away or resigned, the institution must determine and submit the legally payable amount for the relevant month. Similarly, if salary deductions or suspensions are required due to temporary suspension, unauthorised absence, or other disciplinary grounds, these must be clearly indicated in the bill submission module.

Importantly, only manpower data verified through the government’s Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS) will appear in the bill submission option. Records containing errors or pending verification will not be included until corrected and duly validated.

Below is a summary of the key instructions:

Strengthening Transparency and Efficiency

Education administrators observe that the increasing reliance on EFT reflects a broader push towards digitisation and financial discipline within the education sector. By integrating EMIS and iBAS verification, the Directorate seeks to reduce delays, prevent fraudulent claims, and ensure that public funds are channelled accurately and efficiently.

While the directive tightens compliance requirements for institution heads, it also promises a more streamlined salary disbursement system for MPO-enlisted teachers and staff. Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend on timely submissions, accurate data management, and strict adherence to established procedures.