Punjab: Finland training of teachers facing criticism over age limit

Punjab: A recent announcement about the selection of 72 primary school teachers from Punjab for training at the University of Turku in Finland has sparked objections from many primary school teachers. The controversy stems from the age limit imposed on teachers applying for the programme. Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains announced that the selected primary teachers would be given training similar to the programme implemented earlier for principals sent to Singapore. However, senior primary school teachers have expressed discontent, stating that the age limit on the e-Punjab portal makes many experienced teachers ineligible.

According to a notification issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) on September 23, the age limit for primary teachers has been set at 43 years, while central principals and headmasters can apply if they are 48 years of age or younger. The same age limit also applies to block primary education officers. SCERT has imposed these requirements to ensure transparency and avoid allegations of malpractice that arose during previous selection processes. The application process requires teachers to submit recommendations from 10 alumni and parents of 10 current students, a new criterion absent during the selection of principals for the Singapore programme. The condition is seen as a way to measure teachers’ effectiveness and popularity among students.

SCERT director Amninder Brar defended the age limit, saying that younger teachers, who have more years of service left, will be a greater asset in the long term. He emphasised that these teachers will play a key role as mentors to other teachers after receiving special training in Finland. The selected teachers will spend 12-15 days in Finland, where they will focus on innovative teaching methods and teaching practices. The age limit has caused discontent among senior teachers, who feel neglected despite their experience. However, SCERT says the guidelines were set up to ensure that the selected teachers can give extended service and contribute significantly to the education system in the future.