Association demands timely salaries, pending DA, CPF and NPS implementation, protection of sanctioned posts and prompt retirement benefits
Shillong, September 5: The Khasi Jaiñtia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) has criticised the Meghalaya Government over the delay in payment of teachers’ salaries, saying that Teachers’ Day celebrations lose their meaning when educators are compelled to wait for their legitimate dues.
Addressing a press conference at the Shillong Press Club on Teachers’ Day, KJDSTA general secretary Barbara Lamin said salaries were not charity but the rightful compensation earned by teachers through their service.
“The Government cannot offer flowers and speak about honouring teachers on Teachers’ Day while withholding their salaries, Dearness Allowance and other legitimate benefits. This is not respect; it is an insult to their service,” the association said.
Demands withdrawal of two notifications
The KJDSTA demanded the immediate withdrawal of two recent Education Department notifications, alleging that they seek to abolish sanctioned teaching posts under the Deficit and Government school systems and replace them with lower-paid positions under the Structured Pay Framework (SPF).
The association warned that such a move would undermine the existing school system, affect the quality of education and weaken job security for teachers.
Teachers yet to receive July salary
Lamin said teachers had still not received their July 2026 salaries, and demanded that the Government establish a clear and reliable mechanism to ensure salaries are released on time every month.
“A teacher should not have to wait for a salary as though seeking financial assistance. Teachers have already worked for it. Delaying their salaries amounts to denying them their rights and dignity,” the KJDSTA said.
The association pointed out that teachers have families to support, loans to repay, school fees to meet and other essential expenses. Delayed salaries, it said, therefore place teachers and their families under considerable financial pressure.
Seeks release of pending DA
The KJDSTA also demanded immediate payment of pending Dearness Allowance, including:
- 51 per cent DA effective from July 2025;
- 53 per cent DA effective from January 2026; and
- Arrears arising from the 43 per cent DA for January and February 2024.
The association said the Government’s repeated emphasis on the importance of education was contradicted by delays in paying teachers their legitimate dues.
It warned that failure to protect sanctioned posts and provide teachers with their entitled benefits would not affect educators alone but would ultimately harm students and weaken Meghalaya’s education system.
CPF and NPS implementation sought
The KJDSTA further demanded the immediate completion of the implementation process for the Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) and National Pension System (NPS), which it said had remained pending for more than three years.
The association sought clarity on the status of all affected teachers. It claimed that a 2024 order requiring a 10 per cent contribution towards CPF had still not been implemented.
The KJDSTA also questioned the status of funds meant for CPF accounts, stating that many newly appointed teachers had not even been provided with CPF accounts.
Retirement benefits remain pending
The association also expressed concern over delays in releasing benefits to retired teachers.
It demanded the prompt payment of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) and all other retirement benefits.
After decades of service, the KJDSTA said, teachers deserve a dignified and peaceful retirement, rather than being forced to repeatedly visit government offices to claim benefits they have already earned.
The association urged the Government to address the issues through concrete action rather than assurances, stressing that timely salaries, social-security benefits and protection of sanctioned teaching posts are essential to maintaining the dignity of the teaching profession and the strength of Meghalaya’s education system.
