Rs 34-crore burden on state for SSA salary

SHILLONG/ JOWAI: The state government has to spend additional Rs 34 crore for the salary of SSA teachers due to the change in the funding pattern.
“The SSA scheme was initially launched in the ratio of 90:10 sharing pattern but it has changed and coupled with the hike in teachers’ salary, the state government has to shell out more than Rs 34 crore which is difficult for it to bear,” Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said on Wednesday.
He also asked the SSA teachers of the state to dedicate themselves in providing quality education to the students of their respective schools despite irregular salary.
“We still have a large number of out-of-school children in the state and I request the SSA teachers to render their service in bringing quality education in the state,” said Rymbui in an interview after the World Literacy Day celebration held at Syiem Jingsuk Higher Secondary School, Amlarem.
Meanwhile, the World Literacy Day was celebrated in West Jaintia Hills at a function attended by Rymbui and Ambrose CH Marak, the Director of State Education and Literacy.
Students and teachers from different schools, headmen and SSA state and district officials participated in the celebration.