Indian school board announces new salary structure for teachers

The Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman has announced regularising the staff salary by doing away with gender discrimination and initiating revised pay package for teachers. Nearly 1,800 teachers who are employed in 20 Indian schools across the sultanate will be beneficiaries of this move.

According to a press release, women constitute more than 80 per cent of the workforce in Indian schools. According to the new pay structure, they will be paid the same salary as that of men closing the pay gap. The revised salary introduced by the board will also attract best resources in the profession.

“Teachers should be duly recognised for building our future. It is in their hands every child is being prepared for life. They donate hours of their time outside classroom for lesson preparation, grading and giving feedback on assignments and meeting students and parents. However, pay for teachers falls behind that of other professionals,” said the board.

The Indian school board implemented a comprehensive Human Resource Manual for all Indian schools in Oman in June 2017. This was done with a view to standardising procedures, in continuation of that exercise. The Finance Committee of the board undertook the task of designing a structure for salary grades which will be applicable to all Indian schools in the sultanate. The board has given a four-year period, starting from April to individual schools to migrate completely to the new structure.

“It’s a welcome initiative and thanks to the board for recognising the merit of this noble profession,” said a senior teacher. “We’re so happy that gender discrimination is removed from the salary structure,” said a woman teacher who has been working in the system for several years. Uniformity of remuneration emphasises the board’s commitment to equality, standardisation and fairness to teachers employed in all Indian schools irrespective of locations.

The revised pay package structured in different grades ensures progressive growth. Based on applicable revision in responsibilities or work performance the staff will be promoted to the next grade. Inflation factor is also built into the annual increments. In conformity with the national labour law requirements, the allowances address required payments like housing, transport, utilities and telephone, in addition to medical insurance and annual air fare to home town.