New Update from Education Minister on Festival Allowance Increase

Education and Primary & Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has provided a fresh update on the long-pending demand for increasing the festival allowance (Utsab Bhata) for teachers.

Speaking at a meeting with centre secretaries of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations at the Mymensingh Education Board on Monday (6 April), the minister said:

“For almost 17 years, the festival allowance for teachers has not been increased. However, this year the government has decided to increase it by 10 percent. It may be implemented during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.”

He added that the government is actively working to implement this decision.

On SSC Examinations:

The minister issued strict warnings against any form of cheating or malpractice in the ongoing SSC and equivalent examinations. He said:

• Any student found with unauthorised papers (even in the washroom) will be expelled immediately.
• Centre secretaries will be held responsible if any paper is found inside the examination hall.
• The government is planning to amend the 1980 Examination Act as it currently has no specific punishment for using digital devices for cheating.

The minister reiterated the government’s “Zero Tolerance” policy against exam irregularities and warned that both students and responsible teachers or officials will face strict action if caught.