Meghalaya deficit school teachers suspend agitation in view of COVID situation

The JAC has been holding a series of agitation to demand the implementation of the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission, concerning pension and retirement benefits (Death cum Retirement Gratuity) for deficit school teachers.
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By Daiaphira Kharsati | SHILLONG:

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Khasi-Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association (KJDSTA) and the Garo Hills Deficit School Teachers and Employees Association (GHDSTEA) will temporarily suspend their second phase of agitation, considering the COVID-19 situation in the state.

The JAC has been holding a series of agitation to demand the implementation of the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission, concerning pension and retirement benefits (Death cum Retirement Gratuity) for deficit school teachers.

The associations mentioned that, to date, the government had notified the release of the second instalment of 25 per cent that was due in 2019. 

They pointed out that the teachers are waiting for the remaining 50 per cent of the arrear that is to be cleared by 2021.

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They added that the draft Service Rules of deficit school teachers are yet to be adopted. 

JAC chairperson Susan Syiem said that there are other forms of agitation that the committee can discuss and pursue. 

“We are ready for the second phase of agitation because of the adamant attitude of the government. However, because of the spike in COVID cases in the state and other states, we will keep the second phase of agitation at bay because there are other issues that will affect the common man, especially the students,” she said.

Furthermore, Syiem said that the JAC would be sending letters to the Prime Minister and the Human Rights Commission to apprise them of the situation.