Man takes upon himself to demand reinstatement of contractual teachers

SHILLONG, Sep 7: Meghalaya Government Lower Primary School Contractual teachers’ Association president Birbor Riangtem on Wednesday started his indefinite sit-in opposite the Main Secretariat, demanding the reinstatement of the contractual teachers whose services were terminated last year.
Speaking to reporters, Riangtem said he was coerced into taking the step in view of the government turning a blind eye to the demands.
“I will continue with my sit-in till the government agrees to their demand. I am agitating on behalf of all the contractual teachers whose services were terminated,” he said, adding that he is ready to surrender his life for the welfare his fellow contractual teachers who are struggling to make ends meet after losing their job.
Claiming that there are many teachers who were contemplating suicides after the termination of their services, Riangtem made it clear that he will not pull the plug on his agitation even if the government calls him for parleys without acceding to the demand.
He also said that there are many states that have appointed contractual teachers to permanent posts after conducting similar teachers’ eligibility tests.
The remaining ones who did not clear the examination were allowed to continue as contractual teachers, Riangtem maintained.
“Most of us are in our 40s and it is extremely difficult to prepare for the MTET and fulfil our responsibility of teaching the students,” he said.
It may be mentioned that a total of 800 contractual teachers were terminated from their services in 2022. Some of them had been working for over a decade.