In a landmark decision, the High Court has mandated the government to expedite retirement benefits for more than 500,000 teachers and employees from non-government educational institutions under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme. The directive, issued by the High Court bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque, sets a six-month timeline for the implementation of this crucial decision.
Advocate Mohammad Siddique Ullah Mia highlighted the intricacies of the case, pointing to the Non-government Teachers and Employees Welfare Trust Regulations, 1999, and Non-government Teachers and Employees Retirement Benefits Rules, 2005. The regulations initially allowed a 2% deduction from teachers’ basic salaries and a 4% deduction from employees. However, amendments on April 19, 2017, increased these deductions to 4% and 6%, respectively.
The discrepancy triggered discontent among approximately 500,000 teachers and employees in private educational institutions. Despite reaching out to authorities to reconsider the order, the lack of response prompted them to organize various programs, including human chain demonstrations.
Filing a writ petition on April 15, 2019, challenging the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education’s notification, the teachers and employees sought justice from the High Court. On December 8, the High Court initiated a four-week rule, demanding an explanation from the defendants on why the Directorate’s notification should not be deemed illegal.
This decision marks a significant victory for the teaching community, as the High Court’s directive ensures a prompt resolution to the long-standing issue of retirement benefits under the MPO scheme. The six-month timeframe underscores the urgency and importance of this judicial intervention in securing the financial well-being of teachers and employees in non-government educational institutions.
