SSA teachers under the aegis of All Garo Hills SSA School Teachers’ Association (AGHSSASTA) have once again demanded the State government to release their four-month salaries that have been pending before the start of Durga Puja.
The latest request by the teachers comes amidst several other similar requests over the past few years.
SSA teachers have been one of the worst affected lot of teachers, with salary payments being irregular and sometimes missing for close to six-seven months. The teachers for their part have had to resort to agitations to get what is rightfully theirs.
“We are the worst sufferers. Irregular salaries have not only affected the quality of our lives but also those of our families. We have been struggling to meet our daily expenses during Covid pandemic with no salaries. The steep rise in prices has made things even worse,” said AGHSSASTA president, L G Momin.
The teachers added that on several occasions they had approached the education authorities as well as the State government for the release of their salaries. While they were assured of their salaries being released after the PAB for 2021-22 is received, nothing has borne fruit for them yet.
“The vision of our Chief Minister is to bring education to the top of the priority list and we expect the situation to get better for us. However, the chaos in the Education Department continues to remain. It is really saddening that some of our colleagues lost their lives due to having no money for their treatment,” added AGHSSASTA general secretary, B Ch Marak.
The teachers felt that their situation under the current government is worse than what they faced during the previous one.
“As a State with a mixed community, some of our colleagues are waiting for their salaries to be able to celebrate Durga Puja. This year too they are left with empty pockets before the start of their biggest festival,” Marak said.
The AGHSSASTA demanded that the Education Department release the salaries of the SSA teachers before the advent of Pujas so that everyone can celebrate the festive season.
