By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 21: Employees of schools and colleges under the deficit grant-in-aid system in the state on Tuesday opposed the newly notified Meghalaya Non-Government Schools and Colleges Employee Centralised Fund Scheme 2026, stating that it has been “unanimously rejected” by the stakeholders.
Speaking at a press conference at the Shillong Press Club, Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) president Boswell Pala said the scheme was approved without adequate consultations with the stakeholders, including retired employees.
“We welcome any move that recognises our service and extends pension benefits as per the law. However, the 2026 scheme has been thoroughly discussed and unanimously rejected by the stakeholders. Despite this, the government proceeded with its implementation,” lamented Pala, who represented teaching as well as non-teaching staff.
He referred to the April 1 announcement by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma regarding the approval of the scheme, which aims to streamline provident fund benefits for employees of non-government institutions.
Pala said stakeholders had agreed to a draft pension scheme in 2023. He said it was mutually accepted by the government and the employee representatives, forming part of court records.
“The 2023 draft is entirely different from the 2026 scheme that has now been notified,” he stated.
He explained that employees, appointed before April 2010, fall under the Contributory Provident Fund system governed by the 1969 Act, while those appointed thereafter are covered under the National Pension System. However, he alleged that the new scheme “clubs all categories together,” leading to confusion among employees.
The KJDSTA president further said that many employees had already transferred their provident fund contributions to a centralised account in good faith, expecting retirement benefits in line with the earlier draft.
He raised concerns over recent directives asking employees to open Permanent Retirement Account Numbers, terming it an attempt to “forcibly implement” the scheme, while the matter is pending before the High Court.
“We reiterate our faith in the judicial process and hope that justice will be delivered in accordance with the Act and earlier notifications,” Pala said.
Highlighting the plight of retired staff, he urged the government to act in accordance with legal provisions and prioritise their welfare, noting that many are facing financial hardship due to delays in pension implementation.
He further urged the government to revisit the 2026 scheme and engage in meaningful consultations with the stakeholders to arrive at a fair and legally sound solution.
