Teachers happy with budget allocation

SHILLONG: The deficit school teachers’ associations in the state have welcomed the state budget presented by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma who accorded top priority to education and health.
The Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers and Garo Hills Deficit School Teachers and Employees’ Association said the state’s allocation of Rs 1,077 crore is an increase of 17 per cent from last year’s budget.
“We also appreciate the chief minister’s concern to strengthen and provide quality education in the state at all levels and develop students’ full potential and (help them) to acquire knowledge and skill for gainful employment,” a statement from the association said.
However, the associations urged Sangma not to ignore their problems like irregular salary, pension benefits to be extended to deficit school teachers, medical reimbursement, status of teachers, rightful dues to be extended to teachers.
It also stated that all outdated systems should be replaced with modern systems in running education in the state.