FAMASTA flags govt inaction, warns of negative impact on adhoc teachers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 4, 2025

The Federation of All Meghalaya Adhoc Secondary Teachers Association (FAMASTA) has expressed concern over the state government’s inaction to address their demands for basic pay plus Dearness Allowance (DA) for adhoc teachers.

After a meeting with the commissioner & secretary in-charge education Vijay Kumar Mantri on Thursday, president of the association Bina Kharumnuid stated, “We have decided to meet him (Mantri) because despite having submitted our suggestions (in May) on the Meghalaya Education Grant (MEG), the government has not invited us for further discussions. This made us feel that the government is not at all concerned about the welfare of the adhoc teachers.”

FAMASTA has been advocating for job security and improved salaries for adhoc teachers, who have seen their salaries enhanced from Rs 1,800 to Rs 29,000 over the years. However, the association demands that adhoc teachers be granted basic plus DA, a demand that has been pending since 2006.

Kharumnuid said during the meeting, they have raised concern that the MEG may negatively impact adhoc teachers, as it proposes that posts vacated by retiring teachers will not be filled, leading to potential salary deductions by School Managing Committees (SMCs) to appoint new teachers. This, she argues, will affect not only the teachers but also the students.

“We have reiterated FAMASTA demands that adhoc teachers be granted basic plus DA to ensure job security and improved salaries,” she said.

The FAMASTA urges the government to take concrete action to address their demands, rather than simply acknowledging their suggestions.

“If we want to upgrade the standard of education, we also need to take care of the salary of the teachers besides proper inspection of schools and improved infrastructure,” Kharumnuid added.