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More than a thousand school heads appointed through Punjab’s merit-based testing system are still waiting for their official allowances, even months after assuming charge. Despite fulfilling their responsibilities, payments meant for these principals have not been released, raising concerns about administrative delays within the education system.
According to official details, 1,084 school heads who passed the provincial merit test and were appointed across Punjab have not received their monthly charge allowance of Rs 1,200. Four months have already passed, yet the payments remain pending. These heads have been performing full administrative and academic duties during this period.
In Lahore alone, 135 principals appointed through the same merit process are also facing the suspension of leave and conveyance allowances, adding to their financial and professional frustration.
The appointments were made after candidates cleared a provincial-level merit test, a system introduced to ensure transparency and competence in school leadership. However, principals claim that the Accountant General (AG) Office does not officially recognize them as school heads for allowance disbursement, creating a bureaucratic deadlock.
One affected principal stated that “we are managing schools, staff, and students daily, yet our status is not being acknowledged for basic allowances.”
The affected school heads have formally urged Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat to intervene and resolve the matter. They are seeking immediate recognition by the AG Office and the release of all pending allowances, stressing that continued delays could demotivate educators appointed purely on merit.
Education observers note that timely financial recognition is essential to maintain trust in merit-based reforms and ensure smooth school administration across the province.
