Thomy R. Marak & Ors vs State Of Meghalaya & Anr

In terms of our earlier order dated 11th March, 2021, the learned Advocate General hands over a copy of a memorandum/letter dated 16th March, 2021, issued by the Director School Education and Literacy, Shillong. An advance copy of the same has already been supplied to the learned advocate representing the writ petitioners.

A bare perusal of the said memorandum/letter dated 16th March, 2021, reveals that a statement showing calculation of arrear salary of 186 Pre-Primary teachers in the State w.e.f. 21st April, 2015 till 10th December, 2018, amounting to Rs.4,38,96,000/- has been annexed thereto. This amount is being offered by the State Government for having the matter amicably settled between the parties to this lis. Let a copy of the memorandum/letter dated 16th March, 2021, along with the annexure showing calculation of arrear salary of 186 Pre-Primary teachers in the State w.e.f. 21st April, 2015 till 10th December, 2018, be kept on record.

The calculation sheet not only reveals calculation of the total amount of arrear salary - as stated above - it also indicates that an amount of Rs.2,36,000/- will be payable to each of the 186 Pre-Primary teachers. The learned advocate representing the writ petitioners asks his client's representative who is present in the Court, being the petitioner No.1, namely, Shri Thomy R. Marak, as to whether he agrees to the amount offered by the State Government to the writ petitioners, to which he answers in the affirmative. However, he prays that the Government may consider further enhancement of salary of the Pre-Primary teachers, in future.

We do not have any hesitation to observe that since the matter is being settled amicably, the concerned authorities of the State, shall look into the issue and consider whether any further enhancement of salary to the Pre-Primary teachers can at all be possible in future, in accordance with law.

So far as payment of arrear to the writ petitioners, as per the memorandum/letter dated 16th March, 2021, is concerned, the concerned authorities of the State shall effect such payment - in terms of the amicable settlement arrived at by and between the parties to this lis - as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of eight weeks, but not later than twelve weeks from date of communication of a photostat certified copy of this order. It will, however, be open to the concerned authorities of the State to pay the total amount in more than one instalment, but within the time framed as indicated above.

The writ petition stands disposed of accordingly.