SHILLONG: “Do not keep deficit employees in deficit of their rights,” read a poster displayed outside St. Anthony’s College as teachers and staff across Meghalaya protested the newly notified Meghalaya Non-Government Schools and Colleges Employees Centralized Fund Scheme, 2026.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced on April 1, 2026, that the cabinet had approved the scheme’s implementation. In a post on X, he stated, “A large number of employees in non-government schools and colleges have been making contributions as mandated under the relevant Act. However, there was no structured government scheme in place to effectively manage and implement these contributions. With the cabinet’s approval the scheme has now been finalized.”
While the move was initially welcomed, tensions arose when stakeholders found the 2026 scheme to be “completely different” from the 2023 draft pension scheme, which had been widely consulted upon and mutually accepted by both the government and employee representatives, and is also part of court records.
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According to The Shillong Times, employees argue that the new scheme threatens their long-term financial security by merging pre-2010 CPF staff with post-2010 NPS employees, creating inconsistencies. They fear the proposed annuity-based model, which allows partial withdrawals, may not ensure stable retirement benefits, and they oppose the mandatory PRAN accounts. They also contend that the scheme overlooks existing legal safeguards, as the matter remains pending in court. Citing risks to their savings and rights, various associations have unanimously rejected the scheme and submitted their objections to the government.
Protest banners echoed these concerns, with slogans such as “Not charity, justice,” “Mutual agreement is a must to frame our future,” “High serving teachers abandoned by uncertainty” and “Retirement should bring peace, not harassment.”
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The government, however, maintains that the 2026 Centralised Fund Scheme is a necessary step, citing its legal backing and the appointment of State Bank of India as the fund manager. Acknowledging the concerns raised, it has stated that it is willing to review and address genuine implementation issues, while remaining firm on establishing a structured, centralized system.