Withholding salaries during lockdown
Srinagar, Aug 8: Authorities on Saturday warned all unaided private schools of “strict action” including de-recognition in case they terminate or withheld salaries of staff during the ongoing lookdown over COVID-19 pandemic in Kashmir Valley.
“It is impressed upon all the unaided recognized Private Schools of Kashmir Division to adhere with the instructions of providing un-interrupted salaries to the staff in the school during lockdown period in lieu of COVID-19 pandemic in letter and spirit. In case any violation/non-seriousness strict action shall be initiated against the particular school in terms of relevant provisions of Law which includes de-ecognition thereof without further intimation,” reads a circular issued by the Director School Education Kashmir.
The Director issued the circular amid complaints from the Staff of recognised unaided Private Schools regarding either termination of services or non-payment of salaries despite clear cut orders from the government that the tuition fee-only be charged from the student’s during the lockdown period in lieu of COVID-19 pandemic facilitating the private schools to meet the expenditure of the salaries of the staff there.
“Few schools were called to attend this office to redress the grievances of staff in lieu of non-payment of salaries or termination thereof during lock down period and they agreed to continue with their services and subsequent drawal of salaries thereof,” the Director added.
