Shillong, Oct 1: The leaders of Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya (FASTOM) met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in his official residence today even as their sit-in demonstration continued for a tenth day.
The protesting teachers want ad hoc schools to be brought under the deficit system, which would boost their salaries through increased government support.
However, the outcome of the meeting with Sangma is not yet known as FASTOM is waiting for a delegation from Garo Hills to arrive in Shillong on Thursday. The federation will then meet and discuss its next course of action.
It had earlier been informed that FASTOM was to meet the CM at his official residence at 3pm but the meeting was brought forward to 11am.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) visited the teachers who have been on strike in Malki for 10 days.
Speaking to reporters, FKJGP vice-president Kitboklang Nongplang said that the pressure group is very concerned because education is one of the most important sectors in the state and the people expect to see change in this regard.
Nongplang claimed that political parties often make promises on this subject during elections but, in reality, teachers have to fight from time and again to demand their rights.
He also questioned the government’s goal, saying that if it can spend money on festivals and activities, it cannot pay salaries to the teachers and urged the government to end such activities immediately.
