Delays and Obstacles in In-Service Promotion from PST to EST
Introduction
Promotion from Primary School Teacher (PST) to Elementary School Teacher (EST) is a major career milestone for teachers in Punjab, Pakistan. However, recent guidelines from the Directorate of Public Instruction (EE) highlight significant delays and obstacles in the process. This article highlights the issues, government responses, and possible solutions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for educators and stakeholders.
Background and Government Guidelines
On 17-05-2024, the Government of Punjab, School Education Department issued a letter (No.SQ/SE-IV-B/2-27/2024) urging all Chief Executive Officers (DEAs) to address delays in Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings. The guideline emphasized the need for timely promotions, yet challenges persist, affecting teachers in different districts.
- Key issues identified:
- Long delays in DPC meetings.
- Inconsistent application of promotion criteria.
- Lack of follow-up on previous instructions dated 02-04-2024 and 07-05-2024.
- Official response:
- A renewed call for compliance with laws and policies.
- Re-convening of DPC meetings to resolve pending cases.
Challenges in the promotion process
The promotion process faces several hurdles that hinder efficiency and fairness:
- Administrative delays: Bureaucratic hurdles slow down the assessment and approval stages.
- Misinterpretation of criteria: Variations in application of promotion criteria across districts.
- Resource constraints: Limited staff and infrastructure to effectively handle promotion cases.
Comparative analysis
| District | Pending cases | DPC Meeting Held | Compliance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore | 150 | 2 | 70% |
| Faisalabad | 200 | 1 | 50% |
| Multan | 120 | 3 | 85% |
This table based on estimated data illustrates the disparity in handling promotions across Punjab.
Solutions and Recommendations
To address these bottlenecks, in line with the best practices of UNESCO and World Bank, the following steps are recommended:
- Smooth Process: Implement digital tools to track promotion applications.
- Training Program: Conduct workshops for DPC members to ensure uniform standards are applied.
- Regular Audit: Periodic reviews by the School Education Department to monitor progress
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the reason for the delay in PST to EST promotions?
The delay is due to administrative incompetence and inconsistent DPC meeting schedule. - Who can I contact for help?
Contact the Directorate of Public Instruction (EE) at dpilementarypunjab@gmail.com. - Is there any deadline for resolving pending cases?
No specific deadline is fixed, but urgent action is mandatory as per the latest directive.
Conclusion
In-service promotion from PST to EST in Punjab is a challenging process due to administrative and procedural hurdles. With proactive measures and compliance with government instructions, the School Education Department can ensure timely promotions, boost teacher morale and improve the quality of education. Stay updated with Tazinews.com for the latest developments in this domain.
