Shillong: Deficit teachers and staff of grant-in-aid schools and colleges across Meghalaya on Monday launched a statewide poster campaign protesting the Meghalaya Non-Government Schools and Colleges Employees Centralized Fund Scheme, 2026, terming it a “fake CPF” and demanding implementation of the 2023 draft.
The protest was led by stakeholders including the Khasi-Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA), who said the new scheme goes against the welfare of deficit teachers.
KJDSTA secretary Synshar J Marwein stated that the 2026 scheme is not a true National Pension System (NPS) but merely “NPS-like,” which the association finds unacceptable. He pointed out that under a proper NPS, both employer and employee contribute 10% of basic pay and DA, whereas the current scheme lacks clarity on government contribution.
He also raised concerns over withdrawal limits, stating that while NPS allows up to 60% withdrawal, the new scheme restricts it to 50%. Additionally, he flagged that the scheme includes categories of teachers beyond its intended scope.
Teachers further highlighted issues with the existing CPF system, where contributions remain limited and inconsistent. Marwein said the campaign aims to send a strong message to both the government and the public regarding the need for a genuine pension mechanism.
According to KJDSTA members, the issue dates back to 2017 when teachers approached the Meghalaya High Court seeking pension benefits. Following this, a 2023 draft framework was prepared, categorizing teachers based on their joining date — with CPF for those before April 2010 and NPS for those after.
Teachers said they complied with government directions by withdrawing their CPF in 2024 and depositing it in a designated SBI account in Shillong. However, they alleged that no progress has been made since then, leaving many, especially retired teachers, in financial distress.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of medical support and pension benefits, with teachers stating that even their own savings remain inaccessible during emergencies.
Despite consultations and accepted suggestions in 2023, stakeholders expressed disappointment that the government introduced the 2026 scheme instead of implementing the agreed draft.
Organisers described the poster campaign as a peaceful democratic protest, asserting that the proposed scheme threatens the financial security of thousands of employees and ignores established legal safeguards.
They urged the state government to respect employee rights, implement the 2023 draft, and avoid policies that could negatively impact serving and retired staff.