School teachers are in a hurry to complete the school syllabus earlier than the normal schedule because they have to be on duty at polling booths for the 2010 general elections. So they have extended school timings but are collecting money because they are spending more time in school, complained parents in De Maw So, Karenni State.

Normally, classes are held between 9 am and 3 pm but teachers have extended school timings and made it from 7 am to 4 pm. Following which they have begun to collect 2000 Kyat from each student, said a parent in De Maw So.

"I think they are spending more time to teach in school because of the 2010 elections. They have said that examinations must be concluded earlier than originally scheduled. They are worried that the syllabus won't be finished so they have arranged for extra time," he added.

State and township education administrators and head masters held discussions to finish the syllabus for the academic year before the 2010 elections at a meeting in July.

In Karenni State, teachers earn salaries of between 30,000 to 50,000 Kyat per month depending on their rank.

A De Maw So local said that "it's true that they want to have more money, and they also really want school children to be educated. I don't know how to describe it. Teaching must be voluntary for children because they are teachers."