Hundreds of adhoc teachers under the banner of the Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya (FASTOM) staged a protest rally on Monday, demanding the state government bring them under the deficit system. The rally, which began at Madan Malki and passed through Lower Lachumiere and Barik, culminated in a sit-in demonstration back at Malki.
Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans pressing for pay parity, deficit pattern inclusion, and improved working conditions. FASTOM Vice President, Sanborn Jungai, said the primary demand is to shift school adhoc teachers into the deficit system, ensuring regular pay scales and wages.
He recalled that last year, the government had cited lack of funds, but argued that if the state has the will, resources can be generated. He warned that the agitation will continue indefinitely, without any deadline, until the government responds positively. If ignored, FASTOM will escalate its movement further with stronger measures.