By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: While hundreds were out on the streets, agitating against the alleged adamant attitude of the Education Minister in dealing with their demands, the man in question, Prof RC Laloo tried to pacify the teachers by “opening his door for talks.”
Addressing an official function organized to mark Teachers’ Day here on Thursday, Prof Laloo said, “Door is always open to the teachers for dialogue but action is much better than just giving assurances.”
He pointed out that the demands of the teachers have to be taken up with the Cabinet before taking any decisions. The agitating teachers boycotted the Teachers’ Day celebrations to register their protest. “Even if there is one teacher present in this function, I am ready to felicitate him/her,” he said adding that the State government would continue its efforts to recognize teachers’ contribution towards building the nation by felicitating them.
With regards to the proposed provincialisation of secondary & higher secondary schools in the State, Prof Laloo said that the matter is under close consideration by government and clear instructions have been given to officials to prepare the list of eligible schools and submit the same with detailed financial implications. The whole process is expected to be in place within this financial year.
According to Prof Laloo, as far ownership of institutions run by religious bodies is concerned, the government would like to maintain status quo and play an advisory role in the management of such institutions. He further informed that one university and nine colleges have been accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and three Block Institute of Teacher Education (BITEs) have been sanctioned to be set up at Khliehriat, Mawkyrwat and Betasing for improving the quality of teaching. Altogether, 30 teachers from eleven districts of the State were awarded with the State and District Award, 2013 in recognition for their tireless efforts towards education.