Meghalaya's school teachers to quit politics

Shillong, Feb 10 (UNI) Most of the government school teachers, affiliated to political parties, have decided to quit politics in view of the Meghalaya Government's directive barring them from associating themselves with any political organisation.

Taking the lead, teacher of city-based KJP Higher Secondary School BK Khongjirem quit the post of Meghalaya Democratic Party general secretary.

However, some of the teachers, who have been associated with political parties for decades, expressed unhappiness over the government directive and argued that ''according to Section 2 (b) of Meghalaya Education Code, any employee of government-aided institutions can take part in any political party with the consent of the school or college authority concerned.''.

Last week, the state Education Department directed all the government-aided school teachers to stay away from poll campaigns, stating that the act of commission on their part was violation of the rule of conduct of government and government-aided employees.

Moreover, the government warned that teachers found guilty would be dealt with strictly.

The notification said the teachers of institutions enjoying grants-in-aid from the government should refrain from taking part in poll campaigns because they were given salaries like government servants.

Meanwhile, several political parties have expressed discontent over this decision.

The MDP and Bharatiya Janata Party have decided to urge the government to de-notify the order.

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