The Meghalaya SSA Schools Association (MSSASA) has decided to suspend its planned agitations to facilitate continued dialogue with the state government over the pressing concerns of more than 13,000 SSA teachers across Meghalaya.

MSSASA President Aristotle C. Rymbai announced the decision during a press briefing on Monday, following a general meeting held at Students’ Field, Jaiaw. The meeting came after the state government extended invitations for discussions on November 18 and December 4.

“We have unanimously decided to withdraw our proposed protest as we believe in continuing discussions with the government,” Rymbai stated.

During the meeting, the association resolved to propose that all SSA teachers who joined on or before July 1, 2020, be exempted from clearing the Meghalaya Teachers’ Eligibility Test (MTET). Rymbai explained, “The notification issued by the state government on July 1, 2020, made MTET mandatory. However, we believe the government should exempt those teachers who joined prior to this date.”

The MSSASA also demanded the formation of an empowered committee to address key issues, including job security for SSA teachers. The proposed committee would comprise representatives from the departments of law, personnel, finance, planning, and education, along with members of the association.

The association remains hopeful that meaningful dialogue will lead to solutions, but the suspension of protests reflects their commitment to negotiation over confrontation.