Shillong: The Meghalaya College Teachers Association (MCTA) demands immediate government action on long-standing grievances. The group wants the state to fill 40 vacant teaching posts, apply UGC pay scales, and release revised Dearness Allowance (DA) payments. The association remains unsatisfied despite the recent withdrawal of the Structured Pay Framework notification.
MCTA president SK Pradhan blasted the framework as an ill-conceived plan that never should have been introduced. The incident highlights a troubling trend in state relations. Pradhan noted, "It sent a signal that, in Meghalaya, people need to take to the streets and agitate to get things done. It is only then that we get our rights."
Staffing shortages loom large over the education sector. Data from the MCTA shows vacancies have climbed past 40 spots out of 488 sanctioned positions. Filling these gaps is urgent. The Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under the National Education Policy 2020 demands more faculty. Pradhan warned that failing to act puts students at risk of being bounced between institutions to find available classes.
Teachers under the ECCCA system are also waiting on money. They received 53 per cent DA in July 2023, but the government has failed to release hikes to 55, 58, and 60 per cent. Pradhan says the government must now follow through on its promises to keep the deficit-grant system and UGC scales intact. He urged the state to start a meaningful dialogue to settle these issues and rebuild trust with educators.
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