Shillong, Oct 13: Hailing the introduction of the Structured Pay Framework (SPF) as a “landmark” move, the Meghalaya Unified Teachers Association (MUTA) has sought inclusion of SPF teachers in the terms of reference of the upcoming 6th State Pay Commission to ensure periodic pay revisions.
A delegation of MUTA met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at his official residence on Tuesday and submitted a representation with its charter of demands seeking addressal of issues concerning teachers under SPF.
MUTA said the introduction of SPF has brought stability and dignity. However, it urged urgent intervention on issues discussed in its central executive committee meeting on September 4 and consultation with the Education Department on September 16.
On service conditions, the association sought a uniform policy for casual, sick and earned leave and full alignment of maternity benefits with State and Central Acts, medical reimbursement or inclusion under state health insurance protecting right to health under Article 21, extension of housing, vehicle, educational and personal loans at par with regular government employees, and a special financial package for teachers who retired just before SPF implementation or have five years or less service left.
The association also demanded streamlining of financial processing to ensure full salary to SSA and RMSA teachers in a single instalment only, disbursed regularly by the first of every month, ending partial payments and delays.
MUTA President Aristotle C Rymbai and Secretary Nathaniel Edmund Nongrum said decisive action would bring relief to thousands of SPF teachers.
