SSA Non-Teaching Staff Demand 80% Salary Hike; Government Assures Positive Consideration
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 31: The state government of Meghalaya has assured the All Meghalaya SSA Non-Teaching Staff Association (AMSSANSTA) that their demands for a substantial salary hike will be considered positively. This assurance comes as nearly 600 non-teaching staff began an indefinite sit-in at Madan Malki ground on Wednesday, protesting for an 80 percent salary increase, a 2 percent seniority increment, and a 5 percent yearly increment.
Commissioner and Secretary to the Education Department, Vijay Mantri, stated that the staff’s demands have been conveyed to the Chief Minister, who has scheduled an urgent internal meeting with officials to discuss the matter. Additionally, the Chief Minister personally communicated with the agitating employees, promising to consider their demands positively.
The state government had earlier announced a 25 percent salary enhancement for non-teaching SSA staff, effective from April 1, 2024. However, the protesting employees, whose salaries have not been increased since 2016, find this raise insufficient in the face of rising inflation. "If you look at the inflation rate, do you think we can survive with a mere 25 percent hike?" questioned Jennifer Synrem, president of the association.
Despite attempts by Mantri to meet with the staff at MalkI Football ground, he later met the association leaders in the evening to explain the government’s stance. The Special Officer-in-charge of the Education Department and State Project Director issued an order on July 26, confirming the government’s approval of a 25 percent salary increase. Yet, this failed to placate the association, which asserts that the government has consistently reneged on its promises.
The AMSSANSTA maintains that their demands are essential and just, given their critical role in supporting the state’s education mission. Synrem emphasized their resolve to continue protesting until their demands are met unequivocally. "We demand equal pay for equal work," she stated firmly.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/08/01/govt-considers-ssa-non-teaching-staff-demands-as-indefinite-sit-in-begins/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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