Tura, April 20: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was felicitated today by the All Meghalaya 4th Teachers’ Association, Garo Hills Unit, at a programme held at the District Auditorium in Tura, West Garo Hills, in recognition of his government’s implementation of the Structure Pay Framework.
The event was organised to express gratitude to the Chief Minister for streamlining salary disbursement for teachers through the new framework, which aims to ensure timely and transparent payments. The reform addresses long-pending issues related to pay structures and service conditions, bringing greater clarity, uniformity, and financial security to thousands of teachers across the state.
Sangma was received on arrival and the programme began with a prayer, followed by the presentation of a bouquet and memento as part of the felicitation ceremony. Cultural performances, including welcome and group songs, were also held during the event.
In his address, the Chief Minister described the felicitation as a “rare and humbling moment,” observing that public representatives are seldom acknowledged for their work. Reflecting on his election as a Member of Parliament in 2016, he said his interactions with teachers at the time helped him understand the deep-rooted challenges in the education sector.
“That was when I first came to understand your problems and realised that the education sector had many deep-rooted issues that needed to be addressed,” he said.
Emphasising a sense of purpose in governance, Sangma said his government’s efforts were driven by a commitment to serve the people. He noted that while some decisions were difficult, they were necessary to bring about meaningful reform.
Highlighting the impact of recent measures, he said that more than 23,000 teachers have benefited from decisions taken to address long-standing concerns. These include issues affecting SSA teachers, fourth teachers, and those under ad hoc, Hindi grant, and science grant categories. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Education Department, officials, and past leadership in achieving these outcomes.
The Chief Minister further stated that when his government assumed office in 2018, the state lacked a clear roadmap for the education sector. He said that the introduction of an education policy and the constitution of an education commission have since provided direction, identifying key areas requiring intervention such as infrastructure, teacher-related issues, quality of education, training, and the use of technology.
Describing education as one of the most challenging sectors to reform, Sangma stressed that policy decisions must be carefully balanced to ensure stability while bringing systemic change. He noted that progress achieved so far has been possible due to the support of stakeholders.
Calling for a shift in focus, he said that the education system must prioritise students above all else. “The fundamental issue in education, for many years, has been that we have focused on everything except the child’s education,” he said, urging teachers to emphasise learning outcomes rather than merely completing the syllabus.
“If there is one resolution we must take today, it is this: to place the child at the centre of everything we do,” he added.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, who was also present at the event, said the Structure Pay Framework would contribute to strengthening the education system and improving institutional efficiency.
PHE minister Marcuise N. Marak highlighted the government’s focus on employee welfare and overall development of the education sector, while supporting the initiative.
Leaders of the organising association welcomed the reform. Association president Tengsrang K. Sangma expressed appreciation to the government for addressing long-standing concerns of the teaching community, describing the implementation of the Structure Pay Framework as a significant and long-awaited step.
Vice-president Tangseng M. Marak, in his welcome address, said the reform would improve service conditions and boost morale among teachers. He termed the framework, effective from April 1, 2026, as “more than a policy,” calling it a transformation that brings recognition, dignity, and hope to the teaching community. As a mark of appreciation, teachers present at the event stood in unison to applaud the Chief Minister.
