SSA Non-Teaching Staff in Shillong Intensify Protest Over Salary Hike Demand
Malki Ground, Shillong, August 1, 2024: The indefinite sit-in protest by the All Meghalaya SSA Non-Teaching Staffs Association (AMSSANTSA) has entered its second day at Malki Ground, Shillong. The protest, initiated on July 31, is in response to the Meghalaya government’s offer of a 25% salary increase, which the staff have rejected in favor of their demand for an 80% hike.
More than 1,037 non-teaching staff members under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme are involved in the protest. They argue that their salaries, which have remained stagnant since 2016, are inadequate given the rising cost of living. The government’s proposed 25% increase, amounting to an additional annual expenditure of Rs 3.19 crore and raising the budget from Rs 12.78 crore to Rs 15.98 crore, is deemed insufficient by the protesting staff.
The non-teaching staff, including office personnel, MIS operators, DEOs, and accountants, are demanding an 80% salary increase along with a 5% annual increment. They emphasize that their protest aims to secure fair compensation rather than opposing the government.
Recent negotiations with Commissioner & Secretary Vijay Mantri have not yielded any resolution. In response to the escalating situation, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has scheduled an urgent meeting to address the issue. The outcome of this meeting is awaited as the protest continues to gather momentum.
