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Confusion rocks Mangochi teachers’ salary deductions

 

Misunderstandings have arisen among some teachers in Mangochi District who claim their monthly salaries are being deducted for no apparent reason.

The teachers complaining are on Open Distance Learning 4 (ODL) and Initial Primary Teacher 3 (IPTE).

Primary school teachers in class

According to the teachers, their salaries are getting up K20 000 deductions per month since February and that the district council has not informed them the reasons for the deductions.

“Drastic cut of salaries in Mangochi district office for teachers have reached a critical stage. Every month end, teachers experience drastic changes for no apparent reason; from K116 351.11 in February and K89 000 in March, a situation that leaves a lot to be desired,” explained one of the teachers who opted for anonymity.

But when contacted, Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) secretary general Charles Kumchenga said the deductions are being made to claim back money from teachers who were overpaid for hardship allowances.

He said: “Those teachers on IPTE 9 [Initial Primary Teacher] and ODL 4 [Open Distance Learning] whose salaries are being deducted were overpaid their rural allowances, so instead of claiming back the whole amount by authorities, they are being deducted in instalments so that they are able to survive.”

Kumchenga’s sentiments were also corroborated by TUM chairperson for Mangochi, Simon Maziya, who said the teachers are complaining because they have already spent the “top up” allowances so the deductions seem tough.

When contacted, Mangochi district commissioner Moses Chimphepo said his office has not received any complaints regarding the issue. n

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