Despite the partial relief in receiving two months’ of salary arrears, SSA teachers have decided not to relent, as they wait for the still pending three months’ of dues, and will continue with their non-cooperation protest against the state government.
In a letter to the Education Department yesterday, the Meghalaya SSA Schools Association (MSSASA) has urged for additional funds to be provided out of the state budget to clear the pending salaries.
Last week funds were received by the state from the Centre (the SSA is a central government programme) and the Meghalaya government directed that the salaries be paid immediately.
MSSASA leader Aristotle Rymbai said that two months’ pay is of some benefit but the teachers insist on full payment of their wages.
As a result, the non-cooperation movement, wherein SSA teachers refuse to be part of any government programmes or activities outside of teaching, and their letter writing campaign to the Chief Minister and Education Minister will continue and these will culminate in a “peaceful, democratic” black flag-cum-sit-in demonstration and candlelight vigil on January 21, which will be Meghalaya’s 50th statehood day.
