Backs SPF for fresh recruitment, seeks protection of existing Deficit teachers’ pay and service conditions
Shillong, September 12: The Meghalaya Schools Welfare Development Association–Central Body (MSWDA-CB) has opposed the demand for the removal of Education Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, stating that differences over government policies should not be turned into personal attacks on an administrative officer.
In a representation submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the Association said concerns over education policies should instead be addressed through democratic dialogue, consultation and constructive criticism.
The MSWDA-CB highlighted longstanding disparities in the salaries and service conditions of teachers serving under different categories, including Science Grant, Fourth Teacher, SSA, Ad hoc and Deficit Grant-in-Aid arrangements. It called for systematic reforms to bring greater uniformity across government-aided schools.
The Association supported the prospective implementation of the State Pay Framework (SPF) for fresh recruitment, describing it as a gradual approach towards rationalising the aided-school system.
However, it stressed that teachers already appointed under the Deficit Grant-in-Aid system should continue to receive their existing approved salaries and retain their current service conditions. It said the introduction of SPF for future appointments should not lead to any reduction or alteration in the salaries or conditions of serving teachers.
According to the Association, a more uniform salary structure could help improve teacher retention, particularly in rural, hilly and remote areas, while also creating employment opportunities for qualified local youths holding D.El.Ed., MTET and other recognised teaching qualifications.
The MSWDA-CB also defended Mantri, stating that he had engaged with stakeholders and worked towards addressing long-standing issues in the education sector. It argued that holding an individual officer personally responsible for implementing government policy could weaken administrative stability and discourage officials from pursuing necessary reforms.
The Association urged the government and stakeholders to safeguard the interests of serving teachers and resolve outstanding issues through meaningful consultation.
“The education sector requires constructive dialogue, administrative stability and long-term solutions—not the personalisation of policy differences,” the Association stated.
