Staff Reporter
Guwahati: The All Assam Primary TET Qualified Teachers’ Association has stated that teachers working under Samagra Shiksha Assam (SSA) are eligible for the post of head teacher in primary schools but are being deprived of the opportunity.
The association pointed out that on March 3, the Department of School Education issued a set of guidelines regarding the qualifications for the post of head teacher. Unfortunately, this directive from the education department has greatly disappointed teachers working under SSA.
In a statement, the association’s president, Trailokya Deka, said, “The teachers working under SSA are also eligible for the position of head teacher, just like regular primary school teachers.” The association emphasized that there is no difference in the qualifications and competencies between regular teachers and those working under SSA. Furthermore, in 2020, the Education Department itself issued a directive approved by the Governor granting equal rights to both regular and SSA teachers.
Deka further pointed out that a large number of SSA teachers have been fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of head teachers for many years and continue to do so. Therefore, any sudden directive aiming to demote them from this position cannot be justified under any circumstances.
On March 27, 2025, during a departmental meeting for the announcement of Gunotsav 2024 results, the Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, in the presence of the Education Minister and top departmental officials, publicly declared that SSA teachers are eligible for the post of head teacher. However, despite this significant announcement, the Education Department appears to have given no importance to the matter. Even after two months have passed since the Chief Minister’s declaration, no official notification has been issued.
The association once again submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and the Secretary of the School Education Department, but no positive response has been received so far.
Deka further lamented, “The teachers working under SSA across various districts of Assam are deeply frustrated and aggrieved over long-standing issues such as the lack of revision in the initial pay structure, delays in receiving time scale benefits under the MACPS (Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme), among others, which remain stuck in SSA files without progress.”
The leaders of the association warned that if these matters are not resolved promptly, they will be compelled to proceed with democratic protests in the near future.
Additionally, the association urged the government for the prompt implementation of solutions to issues such as bank loan facilities, retirement and gratuity benefits, benefits under the Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana, implementation of the State Government Employee Zero Premium Insurance Scheme, the transfer process of teachers in the South Salmara-Mankachar district, and the simplification of transfer procedures for teachers undergoing medical treatment.
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