Shillong, November 10: The Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) has expressed its unequivocal solidarity with the Khasi Jaiñtia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) over its decision to launch an indefinite strike from November 11, 2026, to press for its long-pending demands.
In a statement, MCTA expressed serious concern over the grievances raised by KJDSTA, particularly those relating to the Centralised Provident Fund and National Pension Scheme, implementation of the 2023 Scheme and withdrawal of the 2026 Scheme, contributory provident fund, non-advertisement of deficit posts, uncertainty surrounding the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS), and delays in the disbursement of salaries and Dearness Allowance.
The association stated that these issues directly affect the professional dignity, financial security and service conditions of teachers and employees.
MCTA maintained that the concerns confronting deficit school teachers cannot be viewed in isolation from the larger challenges facing the deficit education sector in Meghalaya. It said uncertainty over retirement benefits, lack of clarity in service-related provisions and delays in addressing legitimate grievances have created considerable anxiety and insecurity among teachers across the State.
The association emphasised that protecting teachers’ rights and ensuring secure service conditions are essential for maintaining a stable and equitable education system. It said teachers cannot be expected to discharge their responsibilities effectively while their professional and financial futures remain uncertain.
MCTA has called upon the Government of Meghalaya and the concerned authorities to take serious note of KJDSTA’s grievances and initiate meaningful dialogue towards an early and satisfactory resolution. It stressed that assurances alone were no longer sufficient and called for concrete action, policy clarity and a time-bound commitment to resolving the outstanding issues.
At the same time, MCTA appealed to school managements, parents and members of the public to understand the circumstances compelling teachers to resort to the agitation. It stated that the strike was not a rejection of the responsibilities of the teaching profession but a struggle for justice, security and protection of the institutional framework within which teachers serve.
The association further asserted that teachers’ rights and students’ rights are not mutually exclusive but interconnected and mutually reinforcing, adding that a secure and respected teaching fraternity is fundamental to delivering quality education.
MCTA reiterated its solidarity with KJDSTA and expressed hope that the Government would respond with the urgency and seriousness the situation demands.
