Sikkim Teachers Association meets Union Minister, pushes for inclusion in national welfare scheme
In a statement issued by STA President Kunzang Sherpa, the association extended thanks to both Members of Parliament and the Union Minister for their time, attention, and the assurances given during the meeting.
LOCAL
A high-level delegation from the Sikkim Teachers Association (STA) recently met with the Union Minister of State on July 25, 2025, at his residence to press for Sikkim’s formal inclusion in the National Foundation for Teachers’ Welfare (NFTW). The delegation was also joined by the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Sikkim, who extended his full support to the cause.
The meeting was described as positive and productive, with the Union Minister assuring the STA of his support for fast-tracking Sikkim’s integration into the national schemes under NFTW. The Foundation provides much-needed financial relief and welfare benefits to teachers and their families, especially those in distress. It also recognizes and honors the valuable service of teachers at a national level through several welfare initiatives.
The STA delegation highlighted the need for parity and recognition for Sikkimese teachers on the same lines as their counterparts in other states. The involvement of the Lok Sabha MP during the discussion further strengthened STA’s arguments, bringing urgency and visibility to their long-pending demand.
On the same visit to Delhi, STA members also met the Rajya Sabha MP from Sikkim and briefed him about the meeting with the Union Minister. They expressed their gratitude for his continued support for education-related issues and for standing up for teachers' rights in Parliament.
In a statement issued by STA President Kunzang Sherpa, the association extended thanks to both Members of Parliament and the Union Minister for their time, attention, and the assurances given during the meeting. STA expressed hope that swift and positive action will follow, ensuring that teachers in Sikkim get the same benefits and recognition available to teachers in other states under the NFTW umbrella.
The STA also urged all school heads and teachers across the state to register for a unique STA membership ID by visiting their website (sikkimteachersassociation.org). This membership is seen as crucial to accessing benefits and welfare schemes, especially once NFTW is implemented in the state.
The Association further acknowledged the role of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim and the Department of Education, Government of Sikkim, for enabling this initiative and helping create a path for national recognition of the teaching community in the state.