SHILLONG, JULY 7: The Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) on Tuesday urged the state government to start a time-bound recruitment process and resolve long-pending faculty service matters to strengthen higher education in the state.

An MCTA delegation led by President Shiv K Pradhan met Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and submitted a memorandum flagging vacancies, pay anomalies, and increased workload under NEP.

According to data from 10 member colleges shared by MCTA, 41 sanctioned teaching posts are vacant.

The Association said this has “significantly increased the workload of existing faculty” and is affecting teaching quality and student support in deficit colleges.

MCTA also raised service issues.

It stated that 69 teachers are still drawing the State Scale despite opting for UGC Scale, while 25 teachers are awaiting UGC Scale upgradation.

The Association further highlighted that over 70 eligible faculty members in deficit colleges are yet to get placement and promotion under the UGC’s Career Advancement Scheme (CAS), despite fulfilling all requirements.

“Expeditious disposal of these cases is essential to ensure career progression and maintain faculty morale,” MCTA said.

The delegation told the Minister that implementation of NEP and the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) under the revised NEHU framework has added to academic responsibilities.

It urged a review of faculty strength, noting that new NEHU regulations provide for additional posts for the 4th year.

MCTA also requested early release of pending Dearness Allowance arrears for revisions from 53% to 55%, 55% to 58%, and 58% to 60%.

The Association thanked the Minister for the hearing and expressed hope that “timely intervention will strengthen institutional capacity and help colleges implement NEP reforms effectively.”