SHILLONG, OCT 13: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday told deficit school teachers that their long-pending dearness allowance is being cleared in phases and asked them to call off their proposed agitation, asserting that dialogue – not disruption – is the way forward.
In its reply to the Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) and the Garo Hills Deficit School Teachers and Employees Association (GHDSTEA), the Education department said it has already released DA arrears for early 2024 while the enhanced rates are under process for release before Durga Puja.
Joint Secretary D Lyngdoh, in his letter, said, “The arrears of Dearness Allowance (DA) at the rate of 43% for the months of January and February 2024 have been released by the Department” vide order dated September 28, which has been sent to treasury officers.
For the remaining dues, he said the department is processing “The release of DA at the rate of 51% with effect from 1st July 2025 and 53% with effect from 1st January 2026, along with the corresponding arrears,” and added, “The Department is making every effort to ensure that the payment is released before the Puja holidays.”
On the Centralised Provident Fund (CPF) row, the government has allowed teachers with SBI accounts to apply for Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) and submit it to the DSEO for crediting contributions. Others without SBI accounts will have to wait as the Board of Trustees is obtaining GSTN for mapping.
The letter also noted that retired teachers seeking withdrawal of CPF accumulation have been permitted as per rules and many have already completed formalities.
Responding to the demand for teachers’ representation in the Board of Trustees, the department said the request “has been duly noted” and has been taken up with the BoT Chairperson for review.
On the demand to implement the draft 2023 CPF scheme, the government pointed to the High Court’s September 10 order in WP(C) No. 281 of 2017, which upheld the 2026 scheme notified on March 18.
“The issuance of notification dated 18.03.2026 notifying the 2026 Scheme under the 1969 Act projects substantial compliance of the terms of remand of the matter by the Apex Court,” the High Court observed, as quoted in the government letter.
The court had further clarified, “We make it clear that we have not gone into the merits of the objection… The petitioners shall have the liberty to challenge the Scheme by instituting appropriate proceeding, if so advised.”
The Education Department said any objection to the 2026 scheme can be taken up legally and it would comply with judicial directions.
Clarifying on recruitment, Lyngdoh said filling of vacant sanctioned deficit posts is to be initiated by the School Management Committee as the appointing authority, with approval from the DSEO/SDSEO, and such vacancies are distinct from engagements under the Structured Pay Framework.
Urging teachers not to go ahead with the protest, the department said the academic session is ending and classroom presence is crucial for students.
“The Association is requested to reconsider any proposed agitation and extend its cooperation in resolving the outstanding issues through dialogue and consultation,” the letter said, cautioning that disruption would affect students who “must remain at the centre of all our collective efforts.”
“The Government fully recognises the invaluable contribution of every teacher and non-teaching employee… The Department firmly believes that dialogue, mutual understanding and constructive engagement provide the most effective means of resolving outstanding issues,” it added.
Also Read: Meghalaya Cabinet approves winding-up of MCCL, site to be redeveloped as eco-tourism hub
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