THE Ministry of Education says the settlement of teachers' backpay remains a priority, and that financial provision for this purpose was already included in the Draft Estimates for fiscal 2026, subject to requisite approvals being granted.

At present, the ministry is engaged in the comprehensive process of compiling, verifying, auditing, and finalising teachers' backpay calculations. This exercise is necessary to ensure the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of payments before disbursement, it stated in a release on Saturday.

According to the release, the funding request submitted as part of the Mid-Year Review was separate and distinct from the provisions made for teachers' backpay. 'The request related specifically to the settlement of the Ministry's financial obligations and operational commitments for period July to September 2026, in keeping with its ongoing operational and fiscal responsibilities,' it said.