Bihar: Since the government has already issued an order not to desist anyone’s salaries along with waiving fees of private schools in the state for the months of March and April during the lockdown period. However, even then many teaching and non-teaching staff of a private school are facing the fallout of the order because they were denied full-pay months.
The authorities of several private schools cited low fees this month as a reason for pay cuts. Some schools even asked employees to wait for salary until additional funds are arranged.
TGT Science teachers complained that despite taking online courses, the school refused half of their salary.
He said, “I had worked till March 19 as school was open. After lockdown, the school management engaged all teachers in preparing online study materials and lectures. However, I received only 50% of my salary.”
PGT English teacher said he received 40% of his salary and added that the school administration promised him to pay the balance before the end of April.
She said, “School has not released the salary of March yet, despite working for 15 days. I am doubtful that the school may deny salary of April implying zero working day owing to the lockdown.”
HT deliberately does not disclose the identity of teachers to protect their interests.
Besides, principal of a private school, pleading anonymity, said, “Due to low fees collection and very few new admissions, the school is facing financial constraint. The school management has withheld a certain amount of employees with handsome salary in order to pay non-teaching staff. However, the arrear amount would be released in the upcoming month, depending upon financial condition of the school.”
In accordance with the government ’s decision, the Private Schools and Children Welfare Association (PSCWA) wrote to the Chief Minister on April 14 to reconsider the decision to waive the fee.
Shamael Ahmad, national president of PSCWA, said, “The private school owners are having a tough time in paying hundreds of their employees without any income. Apart from teachers, the school needs to pay to their non-teaching staffs and rent as well. Without fees collection, meeting all expenses would not be possible, especially for small schools.”
