SHILLONG, DEC 12: Thousands of aggrieved SSA teachers today were compelled to hit the streets as a mark of protest against the failure of the Congress-led state government to release their pending dues.
Under the banner of the Meghalaya Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Schools’ Association (MSSASA), the teachers have decided to serve an ultimatum tillDecember 20, for the state government to comply with the demand.
On failing, the SSA teachers have also threatened to file a writ petition before the Meghalaya High Court into the failure of the government besides seeking the immediate intervention of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The decision to take out a mass rally was also after the ultimatum served to the government earlier had expired on December 8. Meghalaya has a total of 12,481 teachers serving in SSA schools spread across the eleven districts of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Hills region of the state.
It may be mentioned here, the SSA teachers have been demanding releasing of pending dues which include eight months arrears for the year 2016-17 from July 1, 2016 to February 28, this year and four months salary of current academic year from August to November.
Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the protest, MSSASA chief Aristotle C Rymbai said, “We have decided to serve an ultimatum till December 20, for the state government to immediately release our pending dues.”
“Failing which, we will be compelled to approach the Meghalaya High Court for its necessary intervention to ensure teachers get their rights,” he added.
He also informed that the association will also submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his second maiden visit to the state capital on December 16, for his intervention into the hardships faced by the teachers in the state.
Slamming the inefficiency of the incumbent education minister Deborah Marak, Rymbai said that when the association approach the minister, she instead has the audacity to give excuse that “she is helpless to take decision on this matter.”
“Is the education minister not aware of the notification sent by the minister of the MHRD this year where it was directed that the state government must increase it budget with regards to education so that if there is a delay to release the funds from the central government this can be managed from the state budget,” Rymbai asked while demanding clarification from the education minister on this matter.
By Our Reporter
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