Teachers’ associations across Punjab have rejected the provincial government’s decision to make a teaching license mandatory for all categories of teachers, warning that the move could trigger widespread protests if not withdrawn.
Leaders from major representative bodies, including the Punjab Teachers Union, Educators Association, and the Headmasters Association, voiced strong opposition to the policy during a joint response.
‘Lack of trust in qualified teachers’
The associations argued that requiring a separate teaching license despite recognized qualifications such as CT, B.Ed, M.Ed, MPhil, and PhD reflects a lack of confidence in the professional competence of teachers.
Union leaders said it was deeply concerning that educators who trained generations of policymakers are now being asked to reprove their eligibility through additional tests and interviews.
Criticism of education reforms
The groups accused the Punjab Education Department of turning the public education system into a “laboratory for experiments” and alleged that the policy is part of a broader plan to privatize government schools.
They also criticized the reported elimination of 31,000 teaching posts, calling it “educational destruction” that would worsen staff shortages and undermine learning outcomes in public schools.
Protests announced
Teachers’ associations announced that protest demonstrations will begin next Monday if the decision is not reversed, warning that unrest within the education sector could disrupt the academic calendar.
What the policy entails
Under the new policy, teachers are required to obtain a teaching license through standardized tests and interviews. Failure to secure the license could result in dismissal during the current academic year, according to the policy framework.
The license will be issued in three categories—Primary, Middle, and Secondary—based on qualifications and teaching experience. Each license will remain valid for five years, with renewal subject to additional requirements and fees.
Growing concerns among educators
Educators say the policy places unnecessary financial and professional pressure on teachers who are already qualified and serving in the system, urging the government to focus instead on training, infrastructure, and recruitment.
The Punjab government has yet to issue a formal response to the protest announcement.
