The non-payment of salaries to teaching and non-teaching staff at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) for three consecutive months since August has raised concerns over the functioning of these residential schools and the welfare of students.
Tura MDC and BJP Vice-President Bernard N. Marak has called for urgent government intervention, pointing out that hundreds of employees are facing financial hardship, struggling to meet household expenses, rent, medical bills and their children’s education costs. The situation has also raised concerns over the welfare of girls from marginalised communities who depend on KGBVs for education, accommodation, meals and other essential facilities.
A senior KGBV teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We have continued to give our 100% to these classrooms because we care deeply about the future of our girls, but three months without a single paycheck is pushing us to the brink. We are struggling to pay for transit to get to work, let alone sustain our families. If the staff is burnt out and financially broken, it directly impairs the quality of care and education we can offer our residential students.”
Representatives and welfare committees have appealed to the State Project Directors and the concerned ministry for immediate release of the pending salaries, a streamlined fund-disbursal mechanism and operational grants to ensure uninterrupted student meals, medical care and campus safety.
They have warned that continued delays could lead to administrative disruptions and staff protests, affecting the academic calendar and the welfare of thousands of girls.
