Editor
Finally agreeing to the fact that the state badly need a railway head. We do wonder though as to why people who are supposed, or who consider themselves public leaders, in whatever way or form, are so shortsighted that they will realize 15 or 20 years late about the significance of important projects, as the railway and many others. Can the public be made convinced that these kind of statements are trustworthy, or do they even carry any weightage on the mind of the public? Or how can we imagine that 15-20 years back Railway heads could bring illegal immigrants and become a major threat to the indigineous tribe, and is now almost the only saviour for the so called indigineous people of this land-lock hill state. We all expect healthy contribution and participative discussions atleast on this crucial issue, from both ends.
Yours etc.,
Wanshan Khardewsaw
Shillong-02
Reasons for dismal results in Garo Hills
Editor,
Garo Hills has been producing poor results in SSLC and HSSLC year after year. Can anybody say why? Has the Government, students bodies, NGOs, educationists or research scholars done any research to find out the reasons behind the dismal performance of our students. Unless we diagnose the disease we cannot treat it. It would be worth it if the government employs an independent /competent agency to go into the matter and offer suitable solutions.
Comparing with Khasi Hills our results are pathetic. Take the SSLC results for example. While all the districts in Khasi Hills have a pass percentage of above 60% none of the districts in Garo Hills could cross 30%, the highest being West Garo Hills with 27 %. The lowest (as usual) is South Garo Hills with only 19.30 %.
I do not agree with the view that Khasi Hills is more developed and therefore, has better results. West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi are also undeveloped areas. There are as many interior villages in these districts as there are in Garo Hills. But they have fared well. Jaintia Hills in fact secured the highest percentage of 75.99.
My simple assessment is this: In Khasi Hills, right from primary level, schools are regularly held and teachers are more dedicated than in Garo Hills. I think this makes all the difference! Many of the schools in Garo Hills have students without teachers or teachers without students. Unless this is rectified, we will never produce good results. I am sure the government, the civil society, the NGOs are very much aware of this. We all choose to close our eyes! The government will continue to give grants to schools which have, year after year, fared very badly; the civil society will continue to be indifferent and the NGOs (including students’ bodies) will continue to focus on matters that serve their own interests.
Yours etc.,
Damchi R Marak
Guwahati