By Albert Thyrniang
The Meghalaya Government has set in motion the “provincialisation” of Deficit schools in the state. As per press reports, a circular was circulated to the Deficit Higher and Secondary schools on July 2 last to this effect. Understandably the circular excluded schools managed and run by “Religious Bodies”. According to the Education Minister, Dr. RC Laloo “provincialisation” means that the Government would finally take over management and funding of these schools thus ensuring a “single power centre”.
Which are the schools that will be enlist themselves as ‘provincialised’ schools? The minister himself has ‘ruled out’ the possibility of the many educational institutions run by the religious minorities to be part of the government proposal as surrendering of assets, land, management and identity (brand) to the government is totally unacceptable. Therefore, the provincialised’ institutions will consist of those run by ‘non-religious bodies’. Now, data and records over the years will prove that majority of these schools are non-performing? Their HSSLC and SSLC results are pathetic. The quality of education in these schools is poor. The buildings are ill-maintained. Classrooms have more potholes than our PWD roads. We see broken desks and benches, shattered window panes and doors. They are in a shabby and dilapidated condition. Classes are irregular. Will provincialisation bring better educational standards? Realistically unlikely! Then why provincialise?
The teachers are definitely going to gain by the decision as they will be entitled to retirement pension among other benefits. But will it make them more dedicated and committed? Will they be more dutiful? Will it motivate them to produce better results? Will the student community benefit? Will provincialisation change and transform the education scenario in Meghalaya? Will it give an impetus to education? Will it change the face of education in this tiny state? Will it be a game changer? Will it be an education revolution? Sceptics and pessimists like me are many and Government would have to convince us that the recent decision was well considered.
Today in the corporate world promotion, remuneration and bonuses are solely determined by performance. That’s the reason private firms and companies flourish and excel. Unfortunately the government does not believe in the proven success mantra. The century old practice of promotion and remuneration by seniority is still in place. This is the cause of mediocrity and lethargy in government departments and undertakings. While private operators are thriving, the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) is struggling for life. While the numerous private cement companies are doing big businesses in and outside the state, the Mawmluh-Cherra Cement has collapsed. We have not heard of it in a long time! ‘Corporatization’ (adopting corporate procedures and norms) not ‘provincialisation’ is the real need.
It is an established fact that education in the state is largely sustained by missionary run institutions. Many of them, particularly in Khasi-Jaintia Hills are under the Deficit System. But others, notably in Garo Hills are totally private. They do not get government grants. They provide education to thousands of poor villagers against all odds in the remotest places. Their achievement in the field of education is unparalleled and unchallenged. Left to the government alone rural Meghalaya would have still been under the curse and darkness of illiteracy, ignorance and superstitions. Their commendable works and selfless service must be acknowledged and rewarded. Accolades must be generous. Then why not bring them under the present Deficit System? Believe me, education in our state will improve instantly and considerably. Results will speak for themselves in record time. ‘Provincialising’ non-performing deficit schools will have several negative outcomes.
The non-missionary run deficit schools are highly politicized. The elected public representatives regularly interfere and meddle with the affairs of these institutions including appointments. They try to take control of the management. The teaching and non-teaching staff indulge in petty politics. Is this the reason why the government is rewarding non-religious run deficit schools though they are non-performing institutions? On the other hand ‘religious institutions’, their management and staff are politically neutral. Therefore, they are ignored as the government has nothing to gain politically.
Dr Laloo said “the Government would be more than happy to include the various educational institutions run by the religious minorities to be part and parcel of the attempt by the Government to provincialise the educational institutions in the State”. Let us consider the near absolute improbable scenario where religious minorities agree to the Government’s proposal. In the state capital there are posh schools with excellent infrastructure and facilities accompanied by consistent academic and non-academic performance. Will the government be able to maintain the standard in terms of management, administration, development of infrastructure and most importantly results? Will it be able to further improve on the other aspects of education in these institutions? Most unlikely!
Similarly missionary run schools in rural areas have been, are and will be performing well depending solely on sheer dedication and commitment of teachers. If they are in government’s control, will these schools progress or regress? Will the government be able to do a much better job if these schools changed hands? Will the students benefit or lose? Will there be dedicated personnel to improve the quality of education in rural settings. Doubtful!
In all likelihood the missionary schools will not ‘cooperate’ with the government. Then what will become of them? Their teachers won’t get retirement pension and other benefits as their counterparts in provincialised schools. Will they agitate? Against whom will they agitate? Against the government? The government will pass the buck to the respective institutions. The affected institutions will have their hands tied. If agitations and protests take place the victims and sufferers will be the student community. Their education will be adversely affected.
If the government does go ahead with the proposal, to avoid an impasse, it could copy the Assam Government Model. In our neighbouring state, many schools are provincialised. However, a few minority run schools are only ‘Professionally’ provincialised. Don Bosco School, Damra under Gaolpara District is one such example. While the staff gets all benefits like in any other provincialised institutions, ownership, management, administration, assets, lands, infrastructure, etc., are not taken over by the government. The minority bodies keep the above on the basis of ‘Rights of the Minorities’ to own, manage and administer educational institutions granted by the Indian Constitution. Shortage of funds will make the government reluctant to follow the Assam Government Model.
In fine, one feels that the time for provincialisation of educational institutions in the state is not ripe. Besides the financial crunch, the government has not proved its ability in running schools. Its own schools are in shambles. Then why bring more schools under its control? Why eat more than you can chew? The sudden move is not going to make much of a difference in the education scenario of the state. While a group of stakeholders may benefit from the government decision, the rest – parents, students and education itself will suffer. The move is neither positive nor the right step for the present.