Demand for upgrade of ad hoc schools, teachers to deficit system
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 22: Hundreds of ad hoc teachers from across Meghalaya launched an indefinite protest on Monday under the banner of the Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya (FASTOM), demanding the upgradation of ad hoc schools and ad hoc teachers to the deficit system.
The teachers staged a rally, followed by a sit-in demonstration at the Malki Ground in Shillong.
The rally commenced at the Malki Point and moved through city thoroughfares before culminating at the Malki Ground, where the sit-in continued. The participants were mostly from the Garo Hills.
Speaking to reporters, FASTOM vice president Sanborn Jungai said the protest became necessary due to the government’s failure to address their demands.
“We are committed to raising the voice of over 8,000 ad hoc teachers. While the response from teachers from Khasi and Jaintia Hills was not on expected lines, we are encouraged by the participation from Garo Hills,” he said.
The federation is also demanding a 5% annual increment, extension of the retirement age from 60 to 65 years, and parity in salaries. Current pay scales range from ₹18,000 for lower primary teachers to ₹33,000 for higher secondary teachers, with science teachers earning ₹31,000 and secondary teachers ₹29,000.
Jungai challenged the government’s claim of insufficient funds, citing the recent proposal to bail out the three Autonomous District Councils by paying the staff salaries.
“It all depends on political will,” he said, urging the government to upgrade ad hoc schools and teachers to the deficit system with enhanced salaries and benefits.
He expressed concern over the “unjustified pay disparity,” noting that teachers with the same qualifications receive significantly lower pay than those in other categories.
The FASTOM vice president criticised the State Education Commission for allegedly failing to recommend salary enhancements for the ad hoc teachers.
Highlighting the need for dignity and respect in the profession, Jungai pointed out that an ad hoc teacher, serving for 30 years, earns the same salary as that of a newly-recruited teacher.
FASTOM has announced that teachers from the Garo Hills will begin protests in Tura from September 24. The federation has plans to review the situation every two days to decide on the future course of action. Jungai reaffirmed that the protest will continue peacefully until their demands are met.
The Meghalaya Upper Primary School Teachers Association has extended its support to FASTOM. Its general secretary SO Lamare highlighted the salary disparity between ad hoc and deficit school teachers. He noted that while the government classifies both as “private schools,” their pay is not the same.
Deficit schools receive stable financial grant-in-aid from the state government, whereas ad hoc schools receive temporary grants, resulting in less job security and a lower pay structure.
