Education Minister Rakkam S Sangma expressed serious concerns about the growing financial burden on the state government due to a change in the funding structure for SSA (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) teachers’ salaries imposed by the central government. Previously, the central government contributed 90% of the funds while the state government covered the remaining 10%. However, since 2018, this funding ratio has gradually shifted, with the state now required to contribute 30%, while the central government covers only 70%.
This ratio is set to further change, with the state projected to pay 35% of the teachers’ salaries in the next financial year, placing additional pressure on the state’s limited financial resources.
With over 13,000 SSA teachers and 10,000 Adhoc teachers in Meghalaya, all demanding salary increases, the state government is struggling to find a solution to this financial challenge. Sangma acknowledged the legitimacy of the teachers’ demands but cited limited funds as a major obstacle in addressing their concerns.
