Meghalaya SSA Non-Teaching Staff’s Indefinite Sit-In Protest Enters Its Third Day

The All Meghalaya SSA Non-Teaching Staffs Association’s indefinite sit-in demonstration has entered its third day today. The protest is to
urge the state government to enhance their salaries.

The association is demanding an 80% salary hike, a 2% increase based on seniority, and a 5% yearly increment.

Despite a recent approval by the Education Department for a 25% salary enhancement for Samagra Shiksha non-academic office staff, effective from April 1, 2024, the association remains unsatisfied. The approval included staff at the State, District, and Block levels, including MIS, DEO, and Accountant positions. However, concerns were raised about the clarity of the inclusion of block resource persons.

One staff member highlighted the confusion, stating, “Regarding 25% enhancement of salary, we received a letter but it was not clearly written whether block resource person is included or not. So, I will just tell you that it is included. I have met the Director also. He has given us confirmation that all teachers are included.”

As per reports by The Statesman, the protest decision was taken during a meeting at Malki Ground on July 25. The association’s grievances dates back to the government’s unfulfilled promise to increase SSA non-teaching employees’ salaries, a commitment pending since 2016.

The association accused the education minister of making false promises during state assembly sessions. “Our indefinite sit-in demonstration is not an act of protest against the state government but a stand for our rights,” the association stated in a report filed by Shillong Times. “We are prepared to fight for our rights and will continue our demonstration until our demands are met.”, the association said.

The SSA non-teaching staff comprises employees at cluster, block, district, and state levels under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya. According to reports by The Statesman, the state government had previously informed the association that the salary enhancement proposal had been forwarded to the finance department. However, no action has been taken.