Bhutan to pay highest salaries to teachers, medical staff

In a move earning it praise, Bhutan has announced that salaries of teachers, doctors, nurses, and all medical staff will be hiked to make them the highest paid civil servants in the country. Under proposals newly approved by the lower house of parliament, monthly pay for teachers of 10 years’ experience will double to 40,000 ngultrums ($570) and they will now get perks including allowances. Medical professionals in the nation of 750,000 people will also get a raise, with those with nine years’ experience set to be paid 37,000 ngultrums, up from 28,000 ngultrums. For many individuals who seek employment in the civil service, teaching is one of their last options and they will only join the profession if they do not qualify for other posts. The new decision is likely to change the situation now and it will also help retain experienced teachers in the sector.