'Male teachers are more capable': DU professor exposes gender pay disparity in India's education sector

A Delhi University (DU) professor, Kavita Kamboj, currently teaching at Kirori Mal College, recently sparked a viral conversation on LinkedIn by opening up about gender pay disparity and workplace harassment in India's education sector. She shared her personal journey, from struggling as an underpaid Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) to eventually securing a permanent position in higher education.

'Stereotype of male teachers being more capable'

Kamboj began as a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) in a CBSE school at 22, earning a meager Rs 3,200 per month, while her male colleagues made at least Rs 18,000.

She recalled, "The salary gap between male and female teachers in small towns and cities is significant," noting that female teachers with 10 years of experience were often paid only Rs 5,000- Rs 6,000.

"The stereotype still exists in academia that male teachers are more capable," she added.

Despite receiving appreciation from parents for her teaching, Kamboj faced a lack of salary increases.

"I spoke to my Principal many times, but she either avoided the conversation or said she would talk to the management," Kamboj shared, noting the emotional toll this took.

Her pay was barely enough to cover travel and daily expenses, leaving her feeling undervalued.

'School teachers are not treated with dignity'

When she applied for a job elsewhere, she faced intense retaliation.

"My Principal threatened me, telling me I was nothing to the organization, and that she could remove me anytime," Kamboj said.

Eventually, she decided to leave and sought better opportunities.

After clearing her UGC NET with JRF, Kamboj moved to Chandigarh and secured a position as the youngest Assistant Professor in a government college, earning Rs 25,800 per month.

"When I informed my school Principal, she shouted at me. But this time, I felt nothing. I was free," Kamboj reflected.

She concluded, "School teachers are often not treated with the dignity they deserve, and pay parity remains a concern in India, especially for women."

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