From A Reporter
SHILLONG, April 12: Adhoc teachers numbering around 500 plus under the banner of Joint Action Committee Teachers Association of Meghalaya (JACATAM) in protest against the government failure to approve the 100 percent salary enhancement of teachers on Wednesday staged a one day hunger strike at near the All India Radio, Shillong. The teachers association has been demanding 100 percent enhancement of salary for Upper primary ad hoc teachers from Rs. 8, 000 to Rs.16, 000, Lower primary from Rs. 6, 000 to Rs. 12, 000 and enhancement of salary for Hindi teacher.
A one week deadline has been issued to the state government to fulfill the teachers demand failing which the teachers body will intensify their agitation in the coming weeks.
Speaking to reporters, during the hunger strike which started from 11am and concluded at 5pm, E D Nongsiang Chairman JACATAM said, “We have staged this hunger strike to show our resentment over the delay of the state government to approve the 100 percent salary enhancement of teachers, especially for lower and upper primary teacher including 4th teachers and Hindi teachers.”
Interestingly, he however, said as the 4th teachers have associated themselves with the SSA teachers, JACATAM will not be able to interfere much on their issues.
The Chairman further threatened future agitation if the government continues to turn a blind eye to their demands despite continuous assurances.
Informing that all that remains now is for the cabinet to approve the enhancement as even the fince and planning department has agreed, he said, “As both the fince and planning department have give the all clear then it means there is sufficient funds, now it depends on the Chief Minister to call a cabinet meeting and approve the enhancement of salary of the teachers.”