Shillong, Oct 27: The Meghalaya government is set to introduce a structured pay system for teachers by December this year, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui announced on Monday.

The move follows Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s approval of the long-pending demand for a rationalised and structured pay framework for teachers across the state. The education department is currently working out the modalities for its implementation.

Rymbui told reporters that the government has already begun consultations with key stakeholders, including organisations representing Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) employees.

“Once we overcome this issue, all other issues will fall into place,” the minister said, expressing optimism about the outcome of the discussions.

He added that while the government is committed to improving the education sector, it must also balance financial priorities to ensure that reforms in social sectors do not compromise other areas of governance.

The initiative forms part of the state government’s broader education reform agenda, which was first pledged by the chief minister in 2018.

As part of these reforms, the government aims to streamline the school system into two main categories, government and government-aided institutions, apart from privately run schools.

Rymbui said he is confident that with collective effort and cooperation, the government and stakeholders will be able to resolve the issues affecting the education sector and ensure long-term stability for teachers.