Tura: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma was felicitated on Monday by the All Meghalaya 4th Teachers' Association, Garo Hills Unit, at a programme held at the District Auditorium in Tura, marking the implementation of the Structure Pay Framework.
The event was organised to acknowledge the Chief Minister's role in streamlining salary disbursement for teachers through the new framework, which aims to ensure timely and transparent payments while addressing long-standing issues related to pay structure and service conditions.
The programme began with a formal reception, followed by a prayer offered by Jekius T. Sangma. The Chief Minister was presented with a bouquet and memento as part of the felicitation.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma expressed gratitude and described the occasion as "a rare and humbling moment."
"As politicians, we are not often used to being thanked. There are always expectations that we must deliver, and rightly so. But people often forget to express their gratitude," he said.
Reflecting on his earlier tenure as a Member of Parliament in 2016, he said interactions with teachers had given him insight into the sector's challenges.
"That was when I first came to understand your problems and realised that the education sector had many deep-rooted issues that needed to be addressed," he stated.
He acknowledged that while some decisions were difficult, they were necessary for meaningful reform."
There is a reason why we are in government today-and I truly believe that reason is to serve and help the people of our state," he said, adding, "I do not want to look back 20 or 25 years from now with regret… that thought drives me every day to do whatever is possible from my side."
Highlighting recent measures, the Chief Minister said more than 23,000 teachers have benefited from steps taken to resolve long-pending issues, including those affecting SSA teachers, ad hoc teachers, and others under different grant categories.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Education Department and past leadership in implementing reforms.
Sangma noted that when his government assumed office in 2018, there was no clear roadmap for the education sector.
He said the introduction of an education policy and the formation of an Education Commission helped identify key areas such as infrastructure, teacher welfare, training, and the use of technology.
Describing education as one of the most complex sectors to reform, he said decisions must balance systemic change with stability.
"Decisions cannot be taken in isolation-they affect people, systems, and outcomes simultaneously," he remarked.
Emphasising the need to focus on students, he said, "The fundamental issue in education, for many years, has been that we have focused on everything except the child's education."
He urged teachers to prioritise learning outcomes, adding, "Let us ensure that every child learns… let us not focus merely on completing the syllabus, but on truly educating our children."
Calling for a shared commitment, he said, "If there is one resolution we must take today, it is this: to place the child at the centre of everything we do. Only then can we truly transform education and build a better future."
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the Structure Pay Framework would help strengthen the education system and improve institutional efficiency.
Minister for PHE and Soil & Water Conservation Marcuise N. Marak also welcomed the initiative, reiterating the government's focus on employee welfare and sectoral development.
Association president Tengsrang K. Sangma thanked the government for addressing long-standing concerns, describing the framework as a significant step forward for the teaching community.
Earlier, vice president Tangseng M. Marak, in his welcome address, said the reform-effective from April 1, 2026-marked "a moment of recognition, dignity, and hope" for teachers.
"It is more than a policy; it is a transformation. We stand here not only to thank you but to honour you," he said.
The programme also featured cultural performances and concluded with a vote of thanks by the Joint Director of School Education & Literacy, Tura.