Shillong: Many adhoc school teachers under the Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya (FASTOM) on Monday began a protest march followed by an indefinite sit-in, pressing the state government to upgrade their status from adhoc to deficit system.
FASTOM vice president S. Jungai, while addressing reporters during the demonstration, said that the teachers had no choice but to take to the streets after years of unfulfilled promises.
“We want the government to frame a clear policy to abolish the adhoc system and ensure teachers receive salaries and benefits at par with others,” he said.
The federation has long sought better service conditions, including a 5% annual increment and an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 65.
A reminder of these demands had earlier been submitted to then education minister Rakkam A. Sangma in March 2023.
Adhoc teachers, despite having the same qualifications as their counterparts in the deficit system, are still paid much less.
Their monthly salaries currently stand at Rs 18,000 for lower primary, Rs 22,000 for upper primary, Rs 29,000 for secondary, Rs 31,000 for science, and Rs 33,000 for higher secondary teachers.
Jungai said the disparity was deeply unfair, adding that even those who have been serving for decades are earning the same as freshly recruited teachers.
He further expressed dismay that the state education commission had failed to recommend any revision in pay for adhoc teachers.
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The state government has often cited financial constraints as the reason for delaying reforms, but the protesting teachers insist that their contribution to the education sector deserves better recognition and compensation.
Vowing to sustain the agitation, Jungai said the teachers will continue their sit-in until their voices are heard.
“If the government responds within a day or two, it will be welcome. Otherwise, we will be forced to intensify our movement,” he warned.
