Shillong, Sep 16: The All Primary School Teachers’ Association (APSTA) has provided financial assistance to teachers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds as part of its ongoing welfare initiatives.

Under the leadership of its General Secretary F.C. Shullai, the association distributed ₹1.20 lakh each to beneficiaries at a programme held in Shillong. The assistance came from a ₹24 lakh fund raised through voluntary contributions from fellow teachers.

Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, who attended the programme as the chief guest, distributed the financial assistance in the presence of Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh.

APSTA said it has continued to support teachers facing financial hardship, particularly in cases where government assistance has not yet reached them.

Apart from raising issues concerning teachers’ rights through protests and legal proceedings, the association said it also undertakes humanitarian and welfare activities for its members.

As part of its charitable initiatives, APSTA constructed a house for a teacher at Mawber village at a cost of ₹6 lakh. The completed house was inaugurated by Banteidor Lyngdoh.

The association described itself as a self-supported teachers’ organisation and said funds contributed voluntarily by its members must be used transparently, responsibly and for their intended purposes.

APSTA further said it would continue to stand with teachers facing difficulties by bringing members together and taking appropriate steps to safeguard their rights and welfare.