Meghalaya: SSA teachers question state govt commitment to clearing dues

TURA:

The All Garo Hills SSA School Teachers’ Association (AGHSSASTA) have expressed deep resentment over the delay of pending salaries before Christmas questioning the insensitivity of the state government in clearing the dues.

The teachers have also threatened to go on a two-day hunger strike on December 24 and 25 if the government is still not clear in their stance regarding the payment of salaries.

“We are yet to be paid our salaries for the past 5 months and are extremely unhappy with the development and the adamant attitude of the state government in clearing them. Ignoring the demands of SSA Teachers’ for their pending salaries during festive season means degrading and depriving all SSA teachers of the state,” said a release by the AGHSSASTA.

The teachers questioned how the education minister continues to maintain that funds have not been released from the centre when, on August 14, the Project Approval Board (PAB) for the teachers had already been sanctioned.

“On August 14, the PAB of 2020-21 has already been sanctioned by the Central Government to the state of Meghalaya. We have confirmed the fact that the state has already received the PAB of 2020-21. Therefore, we cannot accept the statement released by the state Education minister over his claims on the non-released funds,” President, Labingstone Momin said.

They further wanted a clarification from the government, with proof that the money has not been received.

“We will not be having time to celebrate Christmas if our salaries are not released. This is devastating,” added Secretary, Benabith Marak.

(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)