Shillong, Dec 20: In a historic move aimed at transforming the education sector, the Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday approved a major reform to introduce structured pay scales, annual increments, and job security for over 23,000 adhoc and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) teachers in the state.

Announcing the decision after chairing the last cabinet meeting of the year, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the move as a “landmark decision” and a “major game changer” for education in Meghalaya.

“Today the cabinet has taken a very important landmark decision and a major reform when it comes to the education sector,” Sangma told reporters. “We have approved a proposal to create a structured pay for adhoc and SSA teachers, with a yearly increment programme and enhanced base salary based on seniority.”

The Chief Minister said the reform will also ensure job security for the teachers, including provisions for contributions to the Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) by both the government and the teachers. The new system will come into effect from April 1, 2026, in line with the government’s earlier commitment.

“This will be implemented from April 1, 2026, as promised,” Sangma said, calling it “positive Christmas news for our teachers.”

He informed that detailed modalities of implementation, including administrative procedures and exact financial implications, will be worked out over the next three months. While the financial impact is expected to be “quite significant,” the Chief Minister did not disclose specific figures.

Sangma noted that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with adhoc and SSA teachers, and that their approval and discussions formed the basis of the cabinet proposal.

“This has been a long-pending demand for decades. I am happy that our MDA government has taken this bold decision to find a solution once and for all,” he said.

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the teachers for their patience and cooperation, and thanked the Education Minister, the Commissioner and Secretary, and officials of the Education Department for their sustained efforts.

He reiterated that the reform would have a lasting impact on the education system and significantly improve the welfare and morale of thousands of teachers across the state.