The President announces changes brought to the salary structure of education sector employees

"Teachers have been paid far less than they deserve for their work."

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced that the salaries of teachers have been increased.

In a video message to share the joy of the salary increase with the education sector, the President expressed hope that this will be a positive change brought to the framework, including principals, teachers and other employees of the education sector. Salaries have more than doubled in the new framework.

Education sector employees have been on low salaries for many years in comparison to their hard work. This concern has been expressed in various ways.

The President noted the hard work of the education sector in building a good generation which is one of the government's goal. He also said that he believes that this work is not done for the sole purpose of earning a salary.

"With the grace of Allah, this pledge [Increasing teacher's salaries] is fulfilled today. It gives me great pleasure to announce the change in salaries of teachers on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and Labors' Day today," said the President.

"Teaching is a noble profession which is often undervalued. However, I hope that teachers will accept the changes brought to the salary framework of education sector employees within the government's capacity.

Salary Increase

-Principals Salary-

Rank 1: from MVR 16,000 to MVR 30,000. (82 percent increase)

Rank 2: from MVR 20,000 to MVR 33,000. (59 percent increase)

Rank 3: from MVR 12,000 to MVR 20,000. (38 percent increase)

-Deputy Principals Salary-

Rank 1: from MVR 13,000 to MVR 23,000. (78 percent increase)

Rank 2: from MVR 21,000 to MVR 26,000. (55 percent increase)

-Teachers Salary (of 6,185 teachers)-

Rank 1: from MVR 10,000 to MVR 13,000. (22 percent increase)

Rank 2: from MVR 13,000 to MVR 19,000. (50 percent increase)

Rank 3: from MVR 15,000 to MVR 20,000. (37 percent increase)

MVR 488 million will be spent from the state budget on the salaries of the education sector.

I believe that with the increase in teachers' salaries, a completely new chapter in nation building will begin. The number of people interested in the education sector will also increase. -- President

The President said that the increase in the capacity of the state in every country depends on the effectiveness of its human resources. Teachers bear the biggest burden of human resource development in the Maldives, he said.

"However, teachers who fulfill this important responsibility have been paid farless than they deserve for their work," said the President.

The President said that the changes brought to the salaries of teachers are an important change in nation building. He said that the most important purpose of today's change in teachers' salaries was to provide a decent take home pay without including overtime.

"With this change, only salaries and allowances exceed far more in comparison to the previous take home pay including overtime. The new salary structure of teachers will guide the way forward in the teaching profession," said the President.

The biggest challenge faced by the Maldivian education sector is the lack of quality teachers in island schools. He also said that the new framework would be an added motivator to work in the islands.

The President said that the research conducted on teachers shows that the sole issue faced by teachers was not meagre salaries. In addition, problems such as lack of time and resources, increased work load and uncertainity of their rights being protected were also uncovered. Efforts are underway to resolve these issues, he said.

"I hope that the positive results of these measures will be visible soon. It is my hope that such positive changes brought to the maldivian education sector will increase the number of locals interested in developing the sector," said the President.