POST ALLOWANCE TO CHINESE-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

Mr Lim Cher Kheng asked the Minister for Education if the Government will consider paying post allowance to principals of Chinese schools; and whether consideration will be given to back-dating the payment of the allowance.

Mr Chew Swee Kee: The Hon Member for Changi seems to be interested only in post allowance for principals of Chinese schools. I want to emphasise that it is Government's policy to treat all teachers alike as far as possible and although the organisation in Chinese schools is somewhat different from that in English schools, the principle of post allowances has been accepted. Indeed the Chinese educational bodies have submitted proposals for the allowances to be paid and these are being considered with a view to early implementation. Government is in honour bound to consider payment from the date the school came into the full-aid scheme.