Shillong, August 11: Deficit school and college teachers in Meghalaya are facing growing uncertainty over their Contributory Provident Fund (CPF), even as the proposed pension scheme linked to ongoing court proceedings remains unresolved.
More than two years ago, the Education Department reportedly directed deficit teachers who had entered service before 2010 to close their CPF accounts as part of preparations for extending pensionary benefits to them. The move followed proceedings initiated by the Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) before the Meghalaya High Court.
Teachers serving in Shillong and its outskirts were reportedly instructed to deposit their accumulated CPF savings with the State Bank of India’s Laitumkhrah Branch, while institutions outside Shillong were allowed to make arrangements with banks located near their respective district headquarters.
However, teachers claim that their CPF savings have remained inaccessible since then and, according to their accounts, have not earned interest during the period.
For many individual teachers, the accumulated amount is reportedly ₹10 lakh or more, making the continued inaccessibility of the funds a major concern, particularly for those who have already retired.
Option to withdraw CPF
In May 2026, the Education Department reportedly permitted teachers who were unwilling to wait for the proposed pension scheme to withdraw 100 per cent of their CPF savings.
During June, July and August, several teachers—particularly those who had retired during the preceding two years—began applying for full withdrawal of their CPF.
Some retired teachers have reportedly received their CPF dues with assistance from the Directorate of School Education and Literacy. The release of the funds has provided much-needed financial support to retired teachers who no longer have a regular income.
The Government has not reportedly compelled teachers either to withdraw their CPF or continue waiting for the proposed pension scheme, leaving the decision to individual teachers.
Teachers seek clarity
However, many teachers remain hesitant to withdraw their CPF, largely because the proposed pension arrangement stems from court proceedings rather than solely from an independent policy decision of the State Government.
Teachers fear that continued legal delays could leave retired employees waiting indefinitely for pensionary benefits while their own accumulated savings remain tied up.
They have therefore sought a clear and time-bound decision from the Government on both the proposed pension scheme and the release of their CPF dues.
For teachers approaching or already in retirement, the issue is not merely about choosing between CPF and pension. It is also about ensuring that savings accumulated during years of service remain accessible and that any transition to a pension system is carried out without leaving employees financially vulnerable.
