Shillong: Teachers of deficit schools in
Meghalaya have gone on indefinite strike demanding payment of
arrears as per revised pay, affecting functioning in several
schools across the state.
The teachers, under the banner of Khasi Jaintia
Deficit School Teachers Association (KJDSTA) and Garo Hills
Deficit School Teachers and Employees Association (GHDSTEA)
began their strike yesterday demanding immediate release of 40
per cent arrears.
Most schools declared a holiday till the strike was
called off, while functioning was affected in others.
Chief Secretary WMS Pariat Tuesday urged teachers to
reconsider their decision and withdraw their strike
considering the plight of students with their exams just
around the corner.
Ruling out evoking the Essential Services Maintenance
Act, he said, "I earnestly appeal to the teachers to withdraw
their strike for the welfare of students.
"The 40 per cent arrear will only be released as soon
as the government`s financial position improves," Pariat
added.
KJSDTA president, ED Nongsiang, however, said that the
teachers would continue with the strike until the government
was ready to release the arrears.
The government requires Rs 52 crore to clear the 40
per cent arrears due school teachers in the state.
PTI
