Teachers of schools under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in the State are divided between those wanting to be absorbed under the Education Department and those who wanted 100 per cent salary revision.
SSA school teachers in the State under the banner of Meghalaya SSA Schools Association (MSSASA) have decided to opt for getting absorbed in the Education Department instead of salary increase.
In a letter to Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma today, the MSSASA said that during the meeting with Commissioner and Secretary of Education Vijay Kumar Mantri, the association was informed of the government’s move that instead of the proposal for enhancement of salary, the Education Department a cabinet memorandum pertaining to absorption of SSA school teachers to the Education Department and that the preparation is in a final stage.
MSSASA also said that during its meeting held yesterday at Students’ Field, Jaiaw here it was unanimously resolved to cooperate with the government to come up with a policy to secure the service of SSA school teachers in Meghalaya as was done in other states of the country.
The association also requested the Education Department to complete the process and come up with the absorption policy within two months.
“It was resolved that if the government delays the matter, we will be left with no other option but to again resort to democratic movement/agitation,” the MSSASA said in the letter.
The stand of the MSSASA opting for absorption of SSA school teachers under the Education Department is in stark contrast to the demand by the All Meghalaya SSA School Teacher Association (AMSSATA).
Members of AMSSATA who began their indefinite sit-in demonstration on October 1 at Malki Ground here are demanding a 100 per cent increase of their salary.
According to AMSSATA president Peter Thyrniang, the salary of SSA school teachers has not been increased by the State government since 2016.
“We are firm with our stand not to withdraw our protest till the demand for revision of salary is met. We will not accept any hollow promise by the government. It has to be in black and white,” Thyrniang added.
There are 12,541 SSA school teachers in the State. They are currently appointed by school managing committees (SMCs) and not directly by the government. There are also schools operated by religious institutions receiving SSA funds.
If their service is regularised under the Education Department, the State government would require additional funds of nearly Rs 300 crore.
