State Govt to Spend Rs 220–250 Crore Extra on Teachers’ Salaries
Shillong, March 23 : The Meghalaya government has set April 1, 2026, as the rollout date for a revised salary structure for SSA and adhoc teachers, with statewide verification expected to conclude within the next two weeks.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Monday said the verification process is progressing across the state to finalise eligibility and service records ahead of implementation. He noted that in West Garo Hills, dedicated verification centres have been set up to ensure continuity despite recent law-and-order challenges. “The verification exercise is going on across the state,” Rymbui told reporters, adding that while final figures are yet to be compiled, the process is on track for timely completion. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the minister said the revised pay structure will come into effect from April 1 as planned.
Highlighting the financial implications, Rymbui described the increased expenditure as an investment in education rather than a burden. He estimated an additional outlay of Rs 220–250 crore, which would raise the total salary expenditure for teachers to around Rs 850 crore, subject to final verification data. The minister explained that the new salary structure will be based on teachers’ length of service, with incremental increases over time. “The exact figures will be known after verification, as salary levels will vary depending on years of service—ranging from entry level to five, ten, and twenty years,” he said.
Rymbui stressed that better pay is aimed at improving the quality of education in the state. He urged teachers to remain committed to their responsibilities and called on school managing committees to ensure accountability and address any lapses in duty. “We see this as an investment for better quality education,” he said, expressing confidence that improved remuneration would motivate teachers to perform better.
