PESHAWAR: Employees of the Education Monitoring Authority (EMA) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have announced a pen-down strike starting Monday in protest against what they describe as the provincial government’s negligence and administrative inaction regarding their financial and welfare rights.
According to sources, the employees are concerned about the long-standing delays in resolving their basic financial entitlements, including CP funds and GP funds. Despite the authority being operational for nearly 13 years, these fundamental rights have yet to be addressed. The employees pointed out that whenever they approach authorities about their concerns, they are often met with excuses, particularly citing changes in senior management as a reason for the delays.
Furthermore, the employees allege that while senior officials take credit for their performance, they fail to provide the necessary facilities and benefits that should be granted to the workers. They noted that in the years of service, five employees have passed away, and yet no financial assistance has been provided by the government to their families. Instead, colleagues have had to raise funds independently to assist the bereaved families.
Despite overseeing the monitoring of all government schools across the province and sharing responsibilities with ten provincial departments and examination centers, the EMA employees claim that their rights are not on par with those of other government employees.
In a strong statement, the employees warned that the pen-down strike will continue until the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial cabinet convene an emergency meeting to address their fundamental demands and ensure their rights are fulfilled.
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