Indian schools set to remove gender pay gap for teachers
Under the new pay structure, women will be paid the same salary as men, closing the pay gap, according to the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Salaries of 1,800 teachers in Indian Schools will go up as the Indian School Board has announced a revised pay package for its teachers.
Women constitute more than 80 per cent of the workforce in Indian Schools. According to the new pay structure, they will be paid the same salary as that of men, closing the pay gap, the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, announced on Sunday.
The revised salary introduced by the board will also attract best resources in the profession.
Standardisation
The Indian School Board had implemented a comprehensive Human Resource Manual for all Indian Schools in Oman in June, 2017. This was done with a view to standardising procedures; in continuation of that exercise, the Finance Committee of the Board undertook the task of designing a structure for salary grades which will be applicable to all Indian Schools in the Sultanate. The Board has given a four-year period, starting from April, 2018 to the individual schools to shift completely to the new structure.
“It’s a welcome initiative and thanks to the board for recognising the merit of this noble profession,” remarked a senior teacher. “We’re so happy that gender discrimination is removed from the salary structure,” commented a lady teacher who has been working in the system for several years.
Commitment
Uniformity of remuneration emphasises the Board’s commitment to equality, standardisation and fairness to teachers employed in all Indian Schools irrespective of location. The revised pay package structured in different grades ensures progressive growth. Based on applicable revision in responsibilities or work performance the staff will be promoted to the next grade. Inflation factor is also built into the annual increments.
In conformity with the national labour law requirements, the allowances address required payments like housing, transport, utilities and telephone, in addition to medical insurance and annual air fare to home town.