Shillong, Nov 12: Deficit school teachers in Meghalaya have urged the state government to safeguard their interests while going to implement any new pay structure or categorisation of schools.
They made the appeal through a memorandum submitted by Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) and Garo Hills Deficit School Teachers and Employees Association (GHDSTEA) to the education minister on Wednesday.
The associations said the teachers are apprehensive about the two‑category restructuring announced in October 2025.
“Kindly ensure that the proposed categorization of teachers does not in any way harm the deficit teachers. We appeal to the Government to keep in mind the nature of the sanctioned posts of deficit teachers while implementing any new pay structure or categorization policy, ensuring that the interests and benefits of deficit school teachers are fully safeguarded,” they said.
The also highlighted a couple of important unresolved issues, affecting the deficit school teachers.
While regular government employees have been granted 49% DA (recently raised to 51%), deficit teachers continue to receive 43% DA, with arrears are still pending. The disparity has caused widespread demoralisation.
“We therefore urge the Government to ensure DA parity (just as it had been practiced) with government employees at the earliest, to promote sense of fairness and justice…”
Meanwhile, teachers who joined service before 1 April 2010, are yet to receive the Centralised Provident Fund (CPF) benefits. The associations have requested immediate action to expedite the scheme.
Regarding the online budget submission (MEGH‑SIMS Portal), the associations said technical glitches in the portal are delaying salary disbursements. They have sought for a temporary suspension of online submissions until the system is rectified.
The memorandum cites a series of correspondences and meetings since 5 March 2025, including memoranda to the Director of School Education (DSEL) and the Chief Secretary, with assurances given but no concrete outcomes.
The teachers’ bodies have urged the Education Minister to treat these matters as top priority, emphasizing the impact on teacher morale, financial hardships, and ultimately, the quality of education in Meghalaya.
