The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Following reports on concerns raised by Dzongkha Contract Teachers and Dzongkha Regular Contract Teachers, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) has denied allegations that teachers had their contracts shortened before completion.
Teachers earlier had claimed that several experienced Dzongkha teachers, including some with Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) qualifications, were not granted contract extensions.
They also questioned why some teachers were not retained despite reports of Dzongkha teacher shortages in certain schools.
Responding to the concerns, the MoESD stated, “The Ministry would like to clarify that no Dzongkha contract teachers were terminated before completing their contract terms.”
According to the MoESD, matters relating to contract appointments are handled by the respective Dzongkhag Administrations, as the system is decentralized.
The ministry explained that the recruitment of contract teachers depends on the specific needs of schools and the duration of approved contractual positions.
Furthermore, the MoESD said that possessing the required qualifications alone does not automatically result in continued employment unless an individual is recruited as a regular teacher.
“While some individuals may possess the required qualifications, this alone does not guarantee continued employment unless the individual is appointed as a regular teacher,” the MoESD said.
Addressing concerns surrounding PGDE-qualified teachers, MoESD mentioned that PGDE graduates recruited through the Bhutan Civil Service Examination (BCSE) have already been appointed and continue to serve in schools.
“The individuals mentioned in recent reports completed self-financed PGDE programmes outside the BCSE selection process and requirements,” the Ministry added.
The ministry said teacher deployment decisions are guided by the Teacher Requirement Exercise (TRE), which is conducted using staffing information and requirements submitted by Dzongkhags and Thromdes after consultation with schools.
While some teachers argued that schools continue to face shortages of Dzongkha teachers, the MoESD said the findings of the TRE do not indicate an overall shortage across the country.The MoESD said, “According to TRE findings, there is no overall shortage of Dzongkha teachers.”
MoESD said that contract renewals and extensions are decided based on staffing requirements identified through the TRE and are implemented by the respective Dzongkhag Administrations.
The ministry acknowledged that vacancies can arise during the school year due to teacher resignations, transfers, or other forms of attrition, which may create temporary shortages in individual schools. In such situations, Dzongkhags and Thromdes are empowered to redeploy teachers or recruit contract teachers based on actual requirements.
“If there are reports of specific schools continuing to face shortages, the ministry would welcome details on the exact schools and locations concerned so that the matter can be verified directly with the respective Dzongkhag or Thromde Education Office,” the MoESD stated.
The ministry said such information would help improve monitoring and allow authorities to respond more effectively to staffing needs.
MoESD also clarified that contract appointments are governed by civil service rules and are time-bound in nature. Once a contract period ends, employment ceases unless there is an approved need for continuation or a fresh recruitment process based on staffing requirements identified by the concerned Dzongkhag or Thromde administration.
Despite the ministry’s clarification, some Dzongkha teachers remain concerned about their future employment prospects.
Several teachers who spoke to this paper earlier said that they had served for years on contract and had gained valuable classroom experience, while some had also invested in obtaining PGDE qualifications in the hope of securing longer-term opportunities.
They said the non-renewal of contracts has left many of them uncertain about their careers, even as they continue to express their willingness to serve in schools where Dzongkha teachers are needed.
