Shillong, Nov 10: The Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) has backed the indefinite strike called by deficit school teachers from tomorrow, November 11, over long-pending service and retirement benefits.
The Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) has called the strike in pursuit of its demands. MCTA said it stands in solidarity with the association.
MCTA said it views the issues with grave concern, particularly those relating to the Centralised Provident Fund and National Pension Scheme, implementation of the 2023 Scheme and withdrawal of the 2026 Scheme, contributory provident fund, non-advertisement of deficit posts, uncertainty over MACPS, and delays in disbursement of salaries and Dearness Allowance.
“These are serious matters that directly affect the professional dignity, financial security and service conditions of teachers and employees,” MCTA said.
The association said the issues cannot be seen in isolation from the larger crisis in the deficit education sector. Uncertainty over retirement benefits, lack of clarity in service rules and continued delays in addressing grievances have created anxiety and insecurity among teachers across the state.
MCTA called upon the government and concerned authorities to take serious cognisance of the grievances and start meaningful dialogue for an early resolution.
“Assurances alone are no longer sufficient; what is required is concrete action, clarity in policy and a time-bound commitment,” it said.
It also appealed to school managements, parents and the public to understand why teachers were resorting to the agitation.
The agitation, MCTA said, is not a rejection of teaching responsibilities but a struggle for justice, security and protection of the institutional framework in which teachers serve.
Teachers’ rights and students’ rights are not mutually exclusive, it said, but interconnected. A secure and respected teaching fraternity is fundamental to quality education.
