On a more positive note, the FASTOM-led agitated teachers staged a massive demonstration in Meghalaya today it was when the additional Chief Secretary informed the FASTOM leaders that a decision had been reached with the planning and finance department, and that the government would approve the proposal in a matter of time. He also informed the FASTOM leaders that the cabinet would approve the proposal in the coming cabinet meetings.
The Federation of School Teachers Associations of Meghalaya (FASTOM) threatened the state government on May 9 that if their demands are not met, major public rallies will be held in Shillong and Tura on May 12.
The FASTOM is asking a salary increase of Rs 18,000 for ad hoc teachers, as well as a 5% annual raise.
The decision came when FASTOM leaders staged a protest in front of the main secretariat, accusing Chief Minister Conrad Sangma of failing to call them for negotiations to discuss the requests of all Adhoc teachers in the state.
Mayborn Lyngdoh, a spokesperson for FASTOM, said on Wednesday that the ad hoc teachers would begin an indefinite sit-in in front of the Secretariat on Thursday. The movement will include teachers from around the state, he stated.
He also chastised the administration for holding expensive events with large budgets while teachers endure. He also questioned the government’s spending priorities, claiming that investing on infrastructure rather than teacher recruitment will result in empty classrooms and no teachers.
