The breakthrough came after a meeting between FASTOM leaders and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who also holds the Finance portfolio. The protest had been ongoing at Malki Ground since September 22, with teachers demanding the upgradation of all ad-hoc teachers to the deficit system, among other issues.

“We have decided to end our indefinite protest following the government’s assurance through a four-point offer,” said FASTOM vice-president Sanborn Jungai. “The offer includes a basic pay structure, dearness allowance (DA), central provident fund (CPF), and death-cum-retirement gratuity (DCRG) for ad-hoc teachers.”

Jungai said the government agreed to introduce a basic pay structure based on seniority, with different slabs depending on the number of years of service. The DA will be provided annually to help offset inflation, while the CPF will see an 8 percent contribution each from both the government and the teachers.

Regarding DCRG, Jungai noted that while the government has agreed in principle, discussions will continue with the State Education Department on how teachers will contribute to the scheme.

The Chief Minister reportedly told FASTOM representatives that the government intends to give teachers a “Christmas gift,” but requires three months to finalize the new pay structure.

The revised pay structure will be implemented from April 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit around 10,000 teachers across Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary, and Higher Secondary levels.