Chandigarh/Ferozepur, July 21, 2017: The Punjab Education Department has banned farewell parties to teachers, other employees of the government schools on their retirement.
As per the government, no farewell party would be organized on the school premises nor was there any need of such events.
In a circular issued to all school heads by Secretary, School Education on July 20, it was said that money was pooled for such parties and some employees have to make such monetary contribution out of compulsion. Such events also affect the studies.
However, the Government Teachers Union (GTU) has opposed the directive of putting a blanket ban on retirement parties during the school time and demanded its immediate rollback.
Balwinder Singh Bhutto, President, GTU, Rajiv Handa, senior vice-president and Jaswinder Singh Mamdot, general secretary said, it was very unfortunate to ban the practice of farewell parties on superannuation.
They termed the directive as dictatorial and discriminatory because there was no restriction imposed on parties held for senior officers on their retirement.
Neeraj Yadav, Press Secretary reminded the department about the contributions made by teachers for various other activities like mid-day meal, sports in the absence of funds from the government.
Copy of the directive: