By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 22: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday defended the newly notified pension scheme for employees of deficit grant-in-aid schools and colleges, asserting that the framework is legally sound and designed to resolve “long-pending legacy issues.”
The Meghalaya Non-Government Schools and Colleges Employees Centralised Fund Scheme has been cleared by the State Cabinet and approved by the Finance Department. Rymbui stated that the initiative reflects the government’s intent to streamline unresolved pension benefits and bring clarity to the sector.
The State Bank of India (SBI) has been appointed to manage the scheme. Rymbui informed that stakeholders have been instructed to comply with procedural requirements, including the maintenance of individual accounts.
Addressing opposition from teaching staff, the Minister said the government would examine specific concerns but maintained that the scheme follows existing legal provisions. He added that the government remains open to reviewing and refining the system if any deficiencies are identified during implementation.
However, employees under the deficit grant-in-aid system have strongly opposed the move, citing a lack of consultation. At a press conference held at the Shillong Press Club, Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) president Boswell Pala said the scheme has been unanimously rejected by stakeholders, including retired employees.
