From Our Correspondent
Tura, March 5: After being denied their rightful salaries over the past two months (January and February) members of the garo Hills Deficit School Teachers’ and Employees Association (GHDSTEA) has sought the release of their salaries over the financial constraints it has put most of the teachers in meeting their needed expenses.
In a letter to the media on Wednesday, the teachers stated that the non-payment of salaries has plunged into a dire financial situation where even meeting basic daily needs has become a problem.
“The situation has become increasingly dire, with teachers facing severe difficulties in paying their rent, electricity bills, and other essential expenses. Furthermore the absence of steady incomes has also taken a toll on the mental health and well-being of our teachers. The uncertainty surrounding their salaries has created an atmosphere of anxiety and stress, making it challenging for them to focus on their teaching responsibilities,” said the teachers.
Many, said the release, were facing health issues and were unable to meet expenses for themselves as well as their family members. With school admissions already more or less finalised, the teachers stated that they were finding it difficult to pay for admission fees, textbooks, notebooks, monthly fees, uniforms and transportation. Moreover, the banks are taking fines monthly for the delay of loan EMI deductions, adding to the financial burden of our members.
As per sources, primary and middle school deficit teachers have already been paid but it is only the secondary and higher secondary salaries that remain uncleared.