By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The war-of-words between Education Minister Prof RC Laloo and the Sangma brothers (Conrad and James) in the Assembly turned murkier on the final day of the Autumn Session on Friday.
The House also witnessed an unfortunate incident with both Prof Laloo and James making personal remarks against each other. The issue snowballed after Opposition Leader Conrad K Sangma expressed concern when the Education Minister informed the House that the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has rejected a proposal made by the State Government to amend Section 21 of the RTE Act, 2009 which concerns composition of the School Managing Committees (SMCs).
“As per this section, seventy five per cent of the strength of the school managing committee shall be constituted from amongst parents and guardians of children studying in the school,” Conrad said while adding that this is very critical since majority of the educational institution in the State are managed and administered by religious institutions.
Pointing out that many educational institutions have expressed their reservation on the composition of the SMC, the Opposition Leader expressed fears that the HRD Ministry might stop fund towards implementation of the RTE if the State is not able to comply with the RTE rules.
He also said that the State should think beforehand what steps it would take if the Centre decides to stop the funding, while seeking to know whether the State Government had funds under its disposal to continue with the implementation of the ambitious programme.
Disagreeing with Conrad’s argument, Prof Laloo said that the Government would continue to pursue with the Centre for amending Section 21 of the RTE Act.
“I am sure we would be able to convince the Centre,” he added.
The Opposition Leader reacted sharply, pointing out that the matter might take years to resolve.
‘I would like to know the immediate plan of State Government if it cannot resolve this issue,” he said.
With Sangma remaining adamant on his stand, Prof Laloo lost his control and started to point his finders at the Opposition Leader.
After this point, James also joined in the argument. Despite attempt by Assembly Speaker Charles Pyngrope to contain the situation, Prof Laloo and James started to make personal attacks on each other.
The Opposition Leader, meanwhile, managed to maintain his calm in the midst of the spat between James and Prof Laloo.