Support for teachers’ indefinite strike in city wanes

SHILLONG: The All Meghalaya SSA School Teachers’ Association (AMSSASTA) will not be part of the indefinite strike called by the Meghalaya SSA School Association’s (MSSASA).
Earlier, the All Garo hills SSA School Teachers’ Association had announced that it would not be a part of the protest as MSSASA did not cooperate with its members during agitations in the past. Also, “their demands are different”.
In a statement to the press, AMSSASTA said its members as well as representatives of the Garo Hills unit met Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in Tura. Sangma had assured them that the Government would clear all pending arrears after it receives Rs 164 crore from the Centre.
AMSSASTA said there should not be disparity between trained and untrained teachers.
The Chief Minister, during his meeting with members of the Garo Hills teachers’ unit on Sunday, had said there would be no categorisation.
The association had also urged the chief minister to enhance the salary of 4th teachers to which Sangma said it would be hiked by 100 per cent with effect from April 2017.
Parents extend support
Parents and guardians of wards studying in SSA schools have criticised the State government for its apathy towards the demands of the SSA and 4th teachers.
In a statement issued to the press, the parents and guardians said that while they support the agitation by the teachers’, they have urged the protestors to reduce the days of the strike to ensure that students are not adversely affected by the move.
The parents and guardians said that the state government is responsible for the agitational steps taken by the Meghalaya SSA School Association (MSSASA).
They urged the State government to be empathetic as it is difficult for the teachers to make ends meet with salaries ranging from Rs 6000 to Rs 9900.
They also urged the State government to call the teachers for talks.