By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 17: The Meghalaya government is grappling with financial challenges related to the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui admitted on Wednesday. He stated that while the Project Approval Board (PAB) approved Rs 235 crore for the programme, the Government of India will release only Rs 139 crore, leaving the state government responsible for the remaining Rs 72 crore.
Rymbui highlighted concerns about the continuity of funding beyond March 2026, when the current SSA programme is scheduled to end. “From where will we get this funding next year? This is not the money of anyone; it is the state’s budget. We may have to cut from other departments if central support does not continue,” he said.
He also pointed out the potential additional financial burden for the state, including salary increases for ad hoc staff, which could amount to at least Rs 500 crore. “These are not easy issues for the Education Department or the government to address in one go. We are managing multiple challenges simultaneously,” Rymbui added.
The minister emphasised that the government is engaging with the Union Ministry to seek continued support and ensure that SSA programmes can run without disruption, noting that the funding is crucial for sustaining education initiatives across the state.
Rymbui further informed that the Meghalaya government has formally requested the Union Ministry to amend existing NCTE regulations and government policies to safeguard the service of in-service teachers.
He explained that the appeal specifically concerns teachers appointed prior to the enactment of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, emphasising that the government alone has the authority to alter these norms.
Rymbui described the matter as “a burning issue” and noted that if the current judgment regarding teacher service norms remains in effect, a significant number of in-service teachers could lose their jobs.
He stressed that protecting the interest of existing teachers is the government’s foremost priority and that discussions with the Union Ministry are ongoing. The minister expressed cautious optimism that these deliberations will result in favorable outcomes, though he acknowledged that the measures may not satisfy every stakeholder fully.
Rymbui also highlighted other ongoing priorities, including the timely release of scholarships to students, fulfilling a commitment made by the Chief Minister on October 31, 2025.
He further mentioned that the government is addressing demands for increased Dearness Allowance for deficit teachers, explaining that such matters require coordination with the Finance Department. He noted that the current DA stands at 43%, and efforts are underway to align payments with new scales at an appropriate time.
He stressed that the department is actively grappling with multiple issues simultaneously, balancing the service of teachers with the welfare of students and fiscal constraints, and reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
