The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Acting Chairman, Maini Mike Ugaia, has condemned the physical assault of a National Capital District (NCD) teacher, who stated that administrative delays and neglect contributed to the incident.

Mr. Ugaia said the matter stemmed from the failure of NCD Education authorities to act on a TSC directive issued in January to reinstate displaced teachers to their rightful positions.

While most affected teachers were reinstated, one teacher’s case was not addressed, resulting in his payroll suspension and loss of income since April.

The TSC said the teacher’s case remained unresolved for more than seven months, causing severe financial hardship and leading to a confrontation with the NCD First Assistant Secretary (FAS).

A video circulating on social media shows the NCD FAS punching the teacher during the altercation.

The Commission also confirmed receiving reports that the teacher had threatened the FAS before the physical confrontation.

“While threatening a public official is entirely wrong, leaders must report such behaviour to the appropriate law enforcement authorities rather than resorting to personal violence.”

Mr. Ugaia stressed that TSC directives must be applied fairly and consistently to all teachers.

“When the TSC issues an official instruction to reinstate teachers, it must be applied fairly to everyone without exception.”

He also expressed displeasure over the unfairness demonstrated, and said administrative processes must not be used to neglect or punish individual teachers.

Meanwhile, the TSC Advisor for NCD has been instructed to immediately secure a vacant position for the affected teacher so he can return to the payroll.

The Commission has also warned the National Education Board and Provincial Education Boards that selective compliance with TSC directives will no longer be tolerated.

Furthermore, Mr. Ugaia said all provinces must establish independent disciplinary committees to ensure teacher conduct issues are handled through proper legal processes rather than through unfair displacement of staff.