Govt moves to declare public college teachers as non-vacation staff

The government has taken steps to declare officials of the BCS (General Education) cadre and other public college teachers as part of the non-vacation category. 

Relevant departments have been asked to take necessary measures in this regard.

The information was provided in a notification issued today (29 March) and signed by Sabina Yasmin, deputy secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education.

The notification said the definition and benefits of the "vacation department" in the education sector have long been under review.

It noted that the Ministry of Public Administration, in an earlier memorandum, did not consider it appropriate to declare the education sector directly as non-vacation. 

However, it said there is scope to reorganise benefits such as recreation leave, earned leave and other entitlements for teachers.

Meanwhile, the Finance Division, following recommendations from the National Pay Commission 2025, advised considering the provision of non-vacation benefits for teachers. 

In response to a request for opinion, the commission said the initiative is realistic in line with the recommendations of the Pay and Services Commission 2013.

The notification also said that under the existing Leave Rules, 1959, provisions for employees under the vacation category are clearly defined. Therefore, declaring the education sector as non-vacation would require amendments to the relevant rules, which fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant ministries.

Based on the justification submitted by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education and opinions from relevant ministries and agencies, further steps have been requested.

The notification has already been sent to the Finance Division under the Ministry of Finance and other relevant offices.