SHILLONG, DEC 19:
In a landmark decision set to transform the education sector, the Meghalaya cabinet on Friday approved a comprehensive reform ensuring structured salaries, annual increments, and job security for over 23,000 adhoc and SSA teachers across the state.
Announcing the decision after chairing the last cabinet meeting of the year, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma described it as a “major reform” and a long-pending demand of teachers.
“Today the cabinet has taken a very important landmark decision when it comes to the education sector,” Sangma told reporters. “We have approved a proposal to create a structured pay system for adhoc and SSA teachers, with yearly increments and enhanced base salaries based on seniority.”
The Chief Minister said the reform also guarantees job security, along with provisions for contributions to the Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) by both the government and the teachers.
“This decision will be implemented from April 1, 2026, as promised,” Sangma said, calling it “positive Christmas news for our teachers.”
He added that the government will spend the next three months finalising the implementation framework, administrative procedures, and detailed financial calculations.
“These numbers have already been discussed in detail with SSA and adhoc teachers. After their approval and consultation, the proposal was placed before the cabinet and approved,” he said.
While refraining from disclosing the exact financial burden, Sangma acknowledged that the impact would be “quite significant.”
“This is a major game changer that will reform the education sector,” he said, thanking teachers for their patience and cooperation over the years.
The Chief Minister noted that the demand for regularisation and structured pay had remained unresolved for decades.
“This has been a long-pending issue even before I took over as Chief Minister. I am happy that our MDA government has taken this bold decision to find a solution once and for all,” he said.
Sangma also thanked the Education Minister, the Commissioner & Secretary, and officials of the education department for their sustained efforts in bringing the reform to fruition.