Shillong, Aug 29: The state government has allayed fears of winding up SSA scheme in 2026.
Speaking at the gathering organised by Meghalaya SSA Schools Association on Tuesday to facilitate Chief Minister and others advisor to education department HM Shangpliang said the Centre has set only a target to achieve the desired results in 2026 and this does not mean that the government will abolish SSA scheme.
Later, speaking to reporters, Shangpliang said that the government expects the SSA teachers to excel in their profession.
Rs 52 crore to be released
Shangpliang said the state government will release Rs 52 crore for clearing the salary of the SSA teachers.
“We will shortly be able to release Rs 52 crore, the capping salaries to all the SSA teachers,” Shangpliang said.
He said the state government had already released the first instalment in June as assured by the chief minister on the floor of the House during the Assembly session held earlier this year.
The arrears pending for the SSA teachers would also be released at the earliest, he added.
The government has already released the second instalment this month.
“Normally, we would like to release the second instalment in December but due to availability of funds released by the CM, even the second instalment of the arrear has already been released this month and the process of releasing it to the respective teachers has already started,” he said.
According to Shangpliang, a few initiatives taken by the government are for the benefits of the SSA teachers.
“That is why we appeal to the SSA teachers that while we take care of their problems, we would also like to see that the standard of education in all SSA schools should be improved in the days to come”, he added.
The felicitation programme was organized as a mark of honour in recognition of the state government’s tireless efforts and dedication to address the grievances faced by over 12,000 SSA teachers.
Later, speaking to reporters, Aristotle Rymbai representing SSA teachers association said that the organisation has been demanding regularisation of service of the teachers besides increasing their salary.
