The Bhutanese Leading the way.
During the 11th Sitting of the Fourth Session of the National Assembly, the Member of Parliament (MP) of Thrimshing-Kangpara, Damche Tenzin, raised concerns over employment practices affecting contract teachers, ESP/GSP staff, and Non-Formal Education (NFE) instructors.
The MP mentioned that there are currently 1,750 contract teachers, 2,480 ESP/GSP staff, and 295 NFE instructors in Bhutan.
The MP further pointed out that under Pledge No. 06, the government committed to regularizing contract employees by converting them to para-regular positions with benefits similar to permanent civil servants.
However, many contract teachers, despite years of service, have not received extensions, causing worry over job security. Some have been replaced due to policy changes, raising concerns over inconsistency in employment practices.
The MP urged Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) to confirm whether contracts for all eligible teachers will be renewed to ensure fairness and continuity. He also highlighted the plight of NFE instructors, many of whom have worked for decades without salary increases or retirement benefits, asking for clear plans to improve their welfare and align their benefits with other civil servants.
To this, the Education Minister, Yeezang De Thapa, said that during her visits to over 100 schools, it was observed that many contract teachers were performing exceptionally well and were committed to their roles.
On the matter of regularizing contract teachers, Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa noted that a special sub-committee, was formed on 29th January 2024, under the direction of the Prime Minister.
Lyonpo said, “For contracts that were initially 1-2 years, we have extended them to five years. Teachers can renew their contracts based on school needs, which functions similarly to regularization.”
She clarified distinctions between categories: teachers fall under the professional category, while ESP and GSP staff are classified under operations and support. Legally, contract teachers resign when their term ends, whereas regular teachers are selected by RCSC through examinations.
Between 2021 and 2023, high teacher attrition led MoESD to recruit contract and short-term Dzongkhag teachers to fill gaps caused by maternity leave, Extra-Ordinary Leave, or long-term studies.
The Education Minister emphasized that contract extensions are focused on critical subjects, such as SEN and ICT, to ensure coverage in schools lacking qualified teachers.
Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa mentioned that once approved by RCSC, a National Teaching Service will be introduced to provide a clear pathway for contract teachers.
