Teachers from deficit schools in Meghalaya have started an indefinite strike.
They rejected the state government's latest letter, saying it was an old offer with small changes.
The strike began on Wednesday, November 11. The Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association (KJDSTA) called it.
The association says the government has not dealt with its main demands.
Key points
- Deficit school teachers in Khasi and Jaintia Hills began an indefinite strike on Wednesday.
- They say the government's latest letter is the same as one sent on October 8.
- Pay dues and changes to the pension scheme are the main issues.
- The strike is expected to affect classes in several deficit schools.
What exactly did the teachers reject?
KJDSTA president Boswell Pala said the association received the letter on WhatsApp on Tuesday night.
He said they had hoped it would offer a solution.
Instead, Pala said it was the October 8 letter with some points rearranged.
- October 8The government issued an earlier letter, which the teachers say was the same offer the latest letter repeats.
- Tuesday nightKJDSTA received the state government's latest letter on WhatsApp, which the teachers rejected.
- Wednesday, November 11Deficit school teachers began an indefinite strike, called by KJDSTA.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The government again said the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) and pending arrears was under process.
DA is an extra payment that helps staff cope with rising prices. Arrears are dues that are still to be paid.
Pala said the government gave a similar assurance before the Puja holidays but did not carry it out.
He said the teachers are not asking for anything extra.
Why is the pension scheme part of the dispute?
The Centralised Provident Fund (CPF) is a savings arrangement for staff retirement.
The teachers strongly oppose the government's proposed changes to it.
Pala said the 2023 scheme was agreed by the government and teachers.
He said it was framed under the 1969 Act and after submissions made to the court.
He accused the department of looking for loopholes instead of implementing the scheme properly.
The association also objected to the government's stand on the Board of Trustees.
Pala said the Board's bylaws provide for a three-year tenure, and the department is ignoring them.
So what does this mean for students and schools?
Pala also alleged that several deficit schools face hurdles in getting approval for appointments.
He said this is despite schools following the prescribed selection process.
The government has appealed to teachers to stay with students as the academic year nears its end.
Pala said the administration is responsible for the situation.
He also alleged that School Managing Committees are being pressured to keep schools running during the strike.
The strike is expected to affect academic activities across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Explainer
What happened before
- The Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association said the government sent a letter on October 8 with its key demands unresolved.
- Teachers say the department gave a similar assurance on dearness allowance before the Puja holidays but did not carry it out.
- A 2023 Centralised Provident Fund scheme was agreed between the government and teachers, and the teachers now say it is under threat.
Why it matters
The strike affects students and teachers in several deficit schools in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. It also shows how unresolved pay and pension issues can disrupt classes.
What to watch next
- The strike is expected to affect academic activities in several deficit schools across the region.
