Shillong, June 26: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has called on the Meghalaya Government to safeguard the Deficit Grant-in-Aid system and ensure that all eligible teachers serving in deficit colleges receive University Grants Commission (UGC) pay scales, warning that recent administrative decisions could undermine the state’s higher education sector.
In a memorandum submitted to Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Thursday, the party expressed “deep concern” over what it described as a gradual weakening of the Deficit Grant-in-Aid system, stating that the trend threatens the foundation of higher education in Meghalaya.
The VPP noted that while the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government has repeatedly declared education a priority sector, recent developments appear inconsistent with that commitment.
“The Deficit Grant-in-Aid system has played a historic role in expanding access to education throughout Meghalaya. It has enabled educational institutions to reach remote areas and provided opportunities to thousands of students who would otherwise have been deprived of higher education. Any attempt to weaken, dilute, or gradually phase out this system would have serious consequences for the future of education in the State,” the memorandum stated.
The party also raised concerns over the alleged denial of UGC pay scales to certain teachers serving against Government-sanctioned posts in deficit colleges despite meeting all qualifications prescribed by the University Grants Commission.
According to the VPP, the implementation of UGC pay scales for college teachers in Meghalaya dates back to 1975 and has been continued by successive governments for nearly five decades without interruption.
“It has come to our notice that certain teachers serving against Government-sanctioned posts in deficit colleges are being denied the UGC scale of pay despite possessing all the requisite qualifications prescribed by the University Grants Commission. Such discrimination among teachers occupying similar Government-sanctioned posts and performing identical duties is unjustified and contrary to the principles of fairness and equal treatment,” the party stated.
The VPP further argued that the reported denial of benefits sends a discouraging message to qualified indigenous and local scholars seeking careers in higher education.
“It inevitably creates the perception that the present policy is working against the interests of local people and discouraging deserving indigenous scholars from pursuing careers in higher education,” the memorandum added.
The party also highlighted delays in the disbursement of Dearness Allowance (DA) to teachers drawing UGC pay scales. It pointed out that while the Central Government has revised DA to 60 per cent, eligible teachers in Meghalaya have reportedly not yet received even the earlier revised rate of 58 per cent.
“Such delays impose unnecessary financial hardship on teachers and create uncertainty within the educational sector,” the VPP said.
The party urged the State Government to reaffirm its commitment to education by protecting and strengthening the Deficit Grant-in-Aid system, extending UGC pay scales to all eligible teachers appointed against Government-sanctioned posts in deficit colleges, removing disparities among similarly placed teachers, and immediately releasing all pending DA arrears along with future revisions.
Expressing hope for a positive response, the VPP said the Government should initiate corrective measures that safeguard the interests of teachers, strengthen educational institutions, and uphold the long-term interests of the people of Meghalaya.
