Shillong, Nov 10: Deficit school teachers under the banner of Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association (KJDSTA) have announced an indefinite strike from November 11 demanding fulfilment of their various demands.
Implementation of Central Provident Fund (CPF) and National Pension System (NPS), pending salary payments, dearness allowance (DA) arrears and several service-related benefits are among demands raised by the association.
“CPF and NPS-related issues dating back to 2002–03 and 2004 remain unresolved. Teachers have also alleged that the 14 per cent CPF contribution, which was earlier ordered to be implemented from January last year, has not been properly credited,” KJDSTA president Boswell Pala said after a meeting of the association.
“Delayed salary disbursement is another major concern. The teachers said even though November has begun, their October salaries are yet to be released. They have also sought regularisation of salaries and timely monthly payments.” he added.
The association further said its earlier demand for clearance of pending 16 per cent and 17 per cent DA arrears before the Puja holidays was not met by the Education department.
Other demands include implementation of the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS), provincialisation of posts under the deficit system, release of composite grants and Special Provident Fund (SPF) packages.
Support from college teachers
The Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) has extended its support to the indefinite strike announced by the deficit teachers.
Supporting the various demands raised by the KJDSTA, the MCTA said, “These are serious matters that directly affect the professional dignity, financial security and service conditions of teachers and employees.”
The MCTA said the issues facing deficit school teachers cannot be seen in isolation from the wider crisis in Meghalaya’s deficit education sector, noting that uncertainty over retirement benefits, lack of clarity in service provisions and repeated delays in addressing grievances have created “considerable anxiety and insecurity among teachers across the State.”
“Teachers cannot be expected to discharge their responsibilities effectively while their own professional and financial futures remain uncertain,” it said.
Calling on the Meghalaya government and the concerned authorities to take serious cognisance of the grievances, the MCTA pressed for meaningful dialogue and an early and satisfactory resolution.
At the same time, the MCTA appealed to school managements, parents and the public to understand why teachers were being compelled to resort to such measures.
