Talks between the state government and the All Meghalaya SSA School Teachers Association (AMSSASTA) today remained inconclusive.
The association has therefore decided to continue its strike until the government meets its demands.
The state government has said that it is practically not possible to meet all of the demands of the agitating SSA teachers at once. The teachers are protesting for a 100 percent pay increase and for the services of 13,000 SSA teachers to be shifted from the State Implementation Society to the Education Department to secure their jobs. The teachers last received a raise in 2016 and argue it is high time they get an increment.
AMSSASTA vice-president Defender S Lamare said that the government has assured them that steps are being taken but the process may take a long time as the matter has been handed over to the Education Commission.
Lamare mentioned that while they understand the processes and procedures, the teachers expect the government to expedite the process as they have been striking for 16 days.
Lamare also expressed concern about the upcoming examinations and the need for teachers to return to their schools to teach.
Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma stated that he had a meaningful discussion and explained the government’s plans, policies and financial limitations.
He mentioned that the government is exploring all options and waiting for recommendations from the state Education Commission. Sangma emphasised the need for a permanent solution to this issue and appealed to the agitating teachers to call off the protest.
