Government Warns Primary Teachers of Strict Legal Action if They Fail to Resume Duties

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued a stern directive ordering government primary school assistant teachers to immediately end their work abstention and exam boycott, warning that failure to comply will result in strict legal action. According to the ministry, any teacher involved in such acts of indiscipline will face measures under employment law, the government’s code of conduct, and relevant criminal legislation.

The warning was communicated on Wednesday, 3 December, through an official press release. The ministry stated that it has been monitoring the activities of several organisations representing assistant teachers, which have been observing a work stoppage since 1 December. From 3 December, these groups escalated their protest into what they described as a “complete shutdown”.

In its statement, the ministry detailed the steps it has already undertaken in response to the teachers’ demands and the wider situation. Assistant teachers have put forward three principal demands: placement in the 11th grade of the national pay scale; removal of long-standing complications in obtaining higher grades after 10 and 16 years of service; and ensuring that promotions to the post of headteacher come exclusively from among assistant teachers on the basis of departmental seniority.

The ministry confirmed that these demands have already been formally communicated to both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Administration. Additionally, senior officials—including advisers to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, financial advisers, and the chair of the Pay Commission—have held personal discussions regarding the implementation of these demands.

Earlier, on 7 August, the ministry had sent a separate letter to the chair of the National Pay Commission requesting consideration of the proposal to upgrade the assistant teachers’ salary scale from the 13th to the 11th grade. The Ministry of Finance, during a meeting on 10 November, informed the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education that the matter would be addressed promptly once the Pay Commission’s report is received.

Despite these steps, the ministry expressed concern that several organisations representing assistant teachers have continued their disruptive activities. According to the statement, some teachers have refused to conduct the ongoing annual examinations, while others have obstructed efforts to hold the exams. Disturbingly, there have been reports of attacks and physical harassment directed at teachers willing to perform their duties.

The ministry strongly condemned such conduct, stating that pushing young students’ education into uncertainty is not only irresponsible but also illegal. Actions that deliberately disrupt the academic process, particularly during examinations, violate government employment regulations, breach professional codes of behaviour, and may constitute criminal offences.

Given the current circumstances, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has instructed all assistant teachers in government primary schools across the country to return to work without delay. Teachers have been directed to ensure the smooth completion of all responsibilities related to the ongoing third-term examinations. Failure to do so, the ministry reiterated, will lead to disciplinary and legal proceedings in accordance with employment law, the code of conduct, and criminal statutes.

The announcement marks an escalation in the government’s stance, signalling that continued defiance by striking teachers may invite consequences extending beyond administrative penalties. As the situation evolves, the welfare of students and the stability of the primary education system remain the government’s stated priority.