Shillong, November 13: The Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA), in collaboration with the Garo Hills Deficit School Teachers’ Association (GHDSTA), met the Minister of Education, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, on Tuesday to deliberate on several long-pending issues affecting deficit school teachers across Meghalaya.

Following the meeting, Boswell S. Pala, President of KJDSTA, informed the media that a joint memorandum had been submitted to the Minister, outlining four major concerns that continue to trouble teachers under the deficit system.

1. Categorization of Teachers:
   The associations raised concerns over the recent press release on teacher categorization, which they said caused confusion and anxiety among deficit teachers. The Minister clarified that deficit teachers are not included in the current categorization process. He also indicated that a new pay structure may be announced by December 31, 2025, and implemented from April 2026, but it would not affect deficit teachers at present.
2. Non-Payment of Dearness Allowance (DA):
   Teachers expressed discontent over the non-revision of DA, pointing out that while government employees have received increases up to 51%, deficit teachers remain at 43%, with arrears yet to be cleared. The Minister assured that the issue would be discussed in a meeting scheduled for November 14 with senior officials and promised to update the associations thereafter.
3. Implementation of CPF (Contributory Provident Fund):
   The associations highlighted the lack of transparency and delays in managing the CPF for teachers recruited before April 1, 2010. Many retired and deceased teachers’ families are still awaiting their dues. The Minister assured that the Board of Trustees will convene soon to expedite pending disbursements and ensure proper fund management.
4. Technical Problems with the Maximus Portal:
   Pala noted that the Maximus Portal, introduced for online salary and budget submissions, has led to data errors and salary delays, with some teachers’ names missing from the system. Consequently, October salaries have not yet been released. The Minister acknowledged the issue, stating that technology should not hinder welfare, and promised corrective action at the earliest.

Pala also informed that the KJDSTA represents over 2,000 members (excluding lower primary teachers) across secondary and higher secondary levels. He emphasized that salary delays and non-payment of dues have caused severe distress among teachers and their families.

Both associations urged the government to act swiftly in addressing these concerns and to ensure timely payment and fair treatment of all deficit school teachers in Meghalaya.