In view of rising number of Covid-19 cases in the state and country, deficit teachers have decided to keep their second phase of agitation in abeyance until the situation improves.
This was informed by Khasi Jaiñtia Deficit School Teachers Association (KJDSTA) leader Suzan Syiem today.
The KJDSTA and Garo Hills Deficit School Teachers and Employees Association (GHDSTEA) have, nevertheless, raised their issues through other means, including writing letters to the Prime Minister and others.
The teachers are demanding the state government extend the retired benefit schemes, enhance the death-cum-retirement gratuity from Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh as per the recommendation of the Fifth Pay Commission, release remaining arrears, extend medical reimbursement to deficit teachers and to implement the recommendation of the Fifth Pay Commission with regard to deficit school teachers.
KJDSTA President, Babu Kular Khongjirem, meanwhile, informed that the teachers have not received any communication from Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on their demands.
“It will solely depend on the CM whether he will give us the audience with him or not after he returns from his election campaign (in Garo Hills) but as the head of the state he should understand that the hardships of the teachers and schools are the hardships of the state as a whole and he should take matters seriously,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked about the fears of many on the reopening of schools at the lower grades, the teachers said that the school management should take the call and not depend for everything on the government.
“I think we have to play it by ear because nothing is predictable at present and individual schools and the boards should be allowed to take a call,” Khongjirem stated.
