Balochistan declares education essential service, bans teachers’ strikes

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has officially declared education as essential service, banning strikes, lockouts and other actions in the education sector under the Balochistan Essential Education Services Act, 2019.

A notification issued by the School Education Department declared that any strike, lockout, or protest by teachers and educational staff is illegal. Legal action will be taken against violators to ensure uninterrupted education in the province.

Under Section 6 of the Act, all educational institutions, both government and private, are banned from striking for six months. The order is effective immediately and may be extended for another six months if deemed necessary.

The notification also outlines strict penalties for violators including imprisonment up to one month, or a fine up to Rs100,000, or both for participating in or instigating a strike or lockout; imprisonment and fines for anyone providing financial or material support to strikes or other illegal acts.

These punishments are in addition to disciplinary actions under the Balochistan Employees Efficiency and Discipline Act, 2011.

Police officers have the power to arrest offenders without a warrant (Section 10), and all cases will be tried in a First-Class Magistrate Court.

The government emphasized that the decision is in the public interest, aiming to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted delivery of education across Balochistan. Any attempt to disrupt educational activities will be met with strict legal and disciplinary measures.