SHILLONG: A stalemate persists as far as provincialization of schools in the state is concerned. There have been varied suggestions on the issue.
The issue was discussed during a meeting between the members of the State Planning Board and the officials the Education department on Wednesday.
The Education department officials told the Planning Board in the meeting that they are analysing the issue of provincialization of the schools and it was pointed out that a number of schools did not want the management to be provincialised while on the other hand there was a call for only services of the teachers to be provincialised.
The education department said it was still studying the issue and also informed the Board that the models of provincialisation adopted by other states differ and may not be altogether suitable to Meghalaya and it needed a separate approach.
The department was also considering a phase wise approach to examine schools which are willing for provincialisation of both the management and services.
The department will study the financial implication to implement the phase-wise approach , the officials said that the department was yet to make the final call as it had to be done in consultation with the other departments.
Addressing low female literacy in Garo hills, the Board felt the need for the Centre to re-look Right To Education in view of March 2015 deadline, as a number of states are yet to set in place all mandate.
Among other issues discussed also include the draft state education policy in view of RTE, criteria for upgradation of Adhoc Schools to Deficit schools, progress of providing 5295 separate toilets for boys and girls in schools undertaken by PHE, conducting a special audit of infrastructure of all the Government Schools requiring urgent repairs.
The Board also discussed the approach to encourage Maths and Science at junior school levels, the need for further clarity on the courses provided by Universities without any mandate from the MCI or concerned central/national authorities, the checks and balance relating to private schools and colleges, and quality and training of teachers and students.
HELIPADS: The meeting of Meghalaya State Planning Board convened by the Chairman SC Marak on Wednesday stressed the need to have state owned helipads in remote areas to reach out to the needy in time of natural calamity which would help in airlifting the affected besides providing relief materials in time.
The state is currently using the Upper Shillong helipad being maintained by the Indian Air Force.
As many as 66 people lost their lives mostly in Garo Hills due to the rise in flood and if there was timely intervention by way pressing into service helicopters to the remote areas, the lives of many people, who were stranded, would have been saved The progress on the upgradation, and land acquisition for large aircrafts to land at Umroi and matters related to Baljek airport was also discussed in the meeting.
The status of Inter State Bus Terminal, Future of Transport Corporation, need for rural multipurpose four wheel transport vehicle for rough roads and terrain, was also discussed.