SHILLONG — Deficit-school teachers will march from the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) office to Madan Malki on Friday, pressing the government to act on retirement benefits, pending allowances, salaries and vacancies in deficit schools.
The Khasi-Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) has called the September 25 rally after what it described as the government’s failure to respond to its request for a meeting with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. KJDSTA president Boswell S. Pala said the association had submitted a letter to the Chief Minister on September 1 seeking an appointment but received no response.
“We submitted a letter to the chief minister on September 1 seeking an appointment, but there has been no response even after three weeks. Therefore, we have decided to come out on September 25,” Pala said.
The association is seeking completion of Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) and National Pension System (NPS) implementation for deficit employees and has opposed the Meghalaya Non-Government School and College Employees Centralised Provident Fund Scheme, 2026.
Teachers are also demanding a 10% CPF contribution, restoration of the Board of Trustees and regularisation of salary payments.Their financial demands include release of 51% and 53% Dearness Allowance, along with 43% DA arrears. The association has also sought implementation of the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) and filling of vacant deficit posts.
The rally follows the government’s September 17 notification withdrawing its August 12 notification concerning the deficit school system. Pala said the association welcomed the withdrawal, which it understood would protect the existing deficit system and government posts. However, he sought clarity on provisions contained in the September 17 notification.
“Our understanding is that every clause of the August 12 notification should be withdrawn. We trust the Education department, but if anything is brought in that harms the deficit system, we will have to raise our voice,” he said.
The association has appealed to deficit teachers and staff from primary schools to colleges, retired employees, school managing committees and supporters to participate in or extend support to the rally. Pala said protecting the teaching profession was also important for keeping it a secure and attractive career for future generations.
