30 defiant teachers off payroll

National, Normal
Source:

KARI TOTONA

MORE than 30 primary and high school teachers in Central province have been suspended and put off payroll as a result of absenteeism from school on Oct 2.
Central provincial education adviser Titus Romano Hatagen revealed this yesterday, saying absenteeism was becoming a common practice in PNG schools but Central province was now doing something about it.
“Central province will not fall victim to such bad work ethics,” Mr Hatagen said.
“The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has given the Central Provincial Education Division the green light to deal with lazy teachers who want to be paid for not doing their tasks.
“We will not tolerate this anymore, and I appeal to community leaders, school board management and various stakeholders in Central province to report teachers in their communities who don’t remain in schools and do their jobs,” he said.
Mr Hatagen made this appeal after reading a report in The National last week about teachers in Rigo Inland district being absent from schools since the beginning of the year, forcing at least 30 elementary and 10 primary schools in that LLG area to go without teachers.
He welcomed concerns raised by the Rigo Inland LLG president Ivan Namia of the schools affected and urged him to identify those teachers involved.
“Teachers absent for two weeks will receive letters of indefinite suspension and will be put off the payroll unless an explanation is received,” he said.
He said similar actions would be taken on those identified by Mr Namia and the Education Department.
Meanwhile, Mr Namia said he had met with Eramo Ugaia from the Education Department on Monday and was directed to hold a meeting with the teachers next weekend.
During the meeting, teachers will be asked if they want to remain in their posts or be dismissed as directed by the Education Department.
“Our children have been affected badly by these and it is time we stand up and do something to help them achieve their dreams,” Mr Hatagen.
“Education is very important and teachers must play their part to their full potential.”