Nongpoh, November 11: Deficit school teachers from Ri Bhoi district, under the banner of the Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA), on Wednesday launched an indefinite protest at Nongpoh Town Shopping Complex to oppose the state government’s alleged negligence towards several issues affecting deficit school teachers across Meghalaya.
Teachers from various deficit schools across Ri Bhoi participated in the protest, demonstrating their unity and solidarity in demanding that the government fulfil their long-pending demands.
Addressing the gathering, KJDSTA members, including Multon L. Nonglait, Bisharlang Pyngrope and Rakesh Balasamanta, strongly criticised the state government for allegedly ignoring the voices and concerns of deficit school teachers, forcing them to take to the streets to fight for their rights.
They also criticised the government for praising teachers on Teachers’ Day while continuing to disregard their legitimate demands, despite repeated protests and appeals.
The members clarified that their agitation was not directed against the government, parents, students, school principals or any individual, but was solely aimed at demanding their rightful entitlements as deficit school teachers, which they said the government had continued to ignore.
The teachers further stated that they would continue their agitation until the government addresses their demands. They also expressed their desire to meet and hold discussions directly with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on the issues, instead of meeting the Education Minister or officials whom they believe lack the authority to implement their demands. They maintained that only the Chief Minister has the power to fulfil the demands of deficit school teachers.
The major demands of the deficit school teachers include the immediate release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) from 2025, withdrawal of the 2026 Scheme, implementation of full Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) in accordance with the 1969 Act, and reconstitution of the Board of Trustees for teachers and employees working in deficit schools.
