Meghalaya teachers warn of NEP 2020 implementation crisis

The Meghalaya College Teachers Association (MCTA) has reported a crisis in the implementation of the fourth year of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to MCTA President SK Pradhan, colleges are facing significant staff shortages, with over 40 sanctioned posts currently vacant and a total deficit of 488 posts across deficit colleges.

This shortage has reportedly forced some institutions to stop offering the fourth year of the undergraduate programme, despite students being admitted under the promise of a four-year degree. The MCTA warned that this uncertainty regarding degree eligibility could negatively impact students' ability to qualify for graduate-level examinations.

Additionally, the association raised concerns regarding pay scales, noting that 69 eligible teachers have been denied the University Grants Commission (UGC) scale. The MCTA alleged that the government has failed to honor commitments regarding these scales and criticized the current pay framework and the handling of the Meghalaya Education Grant (MEG).