Educational activities in deficit schools across Meghalaya are facing disruptions as teachers and staff members embarked on a three-day mass casual leave starting from October 13 and running through October 15. The statewide agitation has been organized to protest against the state administration's handling of long-pending grievances raised by education sector employees.
Teacher Associations Express Deep Dissatisfaction
The Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association and the Garo Hills Deficit School Teachers and Employees Association announced they would forge ahead with the planned strike. Representatives alleged that the government has demonstrated minimal commitment toward resolving critical issues affecting educators across the region.
Government Response Fails to Address Core Demands
Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association president Boswell Pala stated that the official communication issued by the Education Department through Joint Secretary D Lyngdoh on October 8 failed to address the comprehensive memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on September 25. The teaching bodies are centering their agitation around two primary demands, which include scrapping Scheme 2026 and restoring the Board of Trustees.
Disputes Over PRAN Registration and Board Proposals
Pala pointed out that rather than agreeing to rescind the contested scheme, the official letter instructed educators to register for a Permanent Retirement Account Number to facilitate the implementation of Scheme 2026. Regarding the Board of Trustees, he noted that authorities suggested incorporating deficit school educators into a board scheduled for formation on April 27, 2026, a proposition that the associations have categorically rejected.
The official correspondence avoided answering multiple key concerns raised in the memorandum and chose to remain silent on several critical points. While expressing profound disappointment with the administration's written reply, the leadership confirmed that educators chose to proceed with the agitation while keeping channels open for future dialogue with relevant authorities.
Appeals to the Public and Teaching Community
Both education associations have urged state officials to review their legitimate requests and take corrective action. Pala reiterated that the unions remain prepared to present their concerns to the government at any time, while calling upon teachers to support the strike action and requesting parents and students to understand the underlying motivations behind the protest.
