Dismissed LP teachers continue agitation, demand reinstatement in Meghalaya

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Aggrieved teachers of the 'All Meghalaya Government Lower Primary Contractual Association' (AMGLPCA) continued their indefinite hunger strike for the sixth day on Saturday. Altogether 1,200 contractual teachers failed to clear the mandated 'Meghalaya Teachers Eligibility Test' (MTET) for regularisation of their services in the government-aided schools in the entire State. These teachers resorted to the hunger strike in Malki ground here.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District refused to give further permission to the organization for carrying on the hunger strike in view of reports that health conditions of some of the aggrieved teachers have deteriorated. A team of doctors along with a senior Magistrate tried to persuade the agitators to call off their hunger strike. But, the agitators remained adamant. The AMGLPCA members vowed to carry on their stir "with or without the official permission".

AMGLPCA president Borbal Riahtam told newsmen on Saturday, "We are physically stressed out and tired. But, we will continue with our hunger strike. We will not falter in our efforts to fight for our rights." Although, they knew fully well that the tide is against them, the AMGLPCA president cited many examples to justify as to why they should be reinstated in their jobs. "Some of them served in their respective villages for years. The sudden termination is a big blow to them," said Riahtam.

The distressed contractual teachers also alluded to the States of Assam and Goa where the contractual teachers have been absorbed after their services were regularised. "We hope that the government will take a considerate call to re-instate all these teachers who failed to clear the MTET examination," stated a teacher who has already rendered 24 years in service.

Notwistanding their grievances, the stack is against them as the Government has taken a call as per the norms illustrated to make education outreach more qualitative and meaningful, observed a citizen.

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