SHILLONG, March 18: The Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya (FASTOM) has reminded the state government of its pending demands and requested for its fulfilment.
In a letter to the Education Minister, Rakkam A Sangma, FASTOM brought the former’s attention to the demand for upgrade to deficit system, deficit pattern, 5% annual increment and extension of the retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
Reminding that the MDA 1.0 had stated clearly that the government could not meet the aforementioned demands owing to huge financial implication, the Federation said it had then proposed Rs 18,000 equal enhancement for all categories – LP, UP, Secondary and Higher Secondary schools and 5% increment annually. “Consequently, the government had served a notice through media on July 5, 2022, regarding the enhancement which was effected from July 1, 2022. However, the enhancement was less than the proposed equal enhancement at that point of time”. “The government had also assured in the statement through media that the 5% annual increment would be examined and decided shortly,” the letter stated. “Unfortunately, due to the expiration of the term of the State Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya in 2022, the demand could not be met,” it added.
The organisation reminded the government to reconsider the 5% annual increment for the time being which amounts to approximately Rs 97 lakh as financial implication in the first year and to include it in the Budget session 2023, so as to avoid a financial burden.
Pointing out that the situation of the ad hoc teachers in the state is disappointing as they do not receive any kind of gratuity or any other tipping payment during the time of retirement, the organisation urged the government to extend the service of the ad hoc teachers from 60 to 65 years to help them avail financial security.
