SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Friday the state government would make all efforts to set up government colleges in all districts.
Replying during the debate on the governor’s address, Sangma said when he was the finance minister and Donkupar Roy the chief minister in 2008, a decision to set up a government college in every district was taken.
“It is the endeavour of the state government to have a government college in each district,” he said.
Sangma, who reiterated on the floor of the House that the education sector was “close to his heart”, informed that new community colleges will be set up in Tura, Ampati, Chokpot and Rongjeng.
The government has earmarked Rs 969.6 crore for the sector in the Budget 2018-19.
During his speech, Sangma pointed out that many students have phobia of science and Mathematics and a concerted effort by teachers, parents and other stakeholders can help children overcome the fear.
On SSA teachers, Sangma said though Rs 135 crore has been released towards their five months’ salary, “another challenge is regarding the arrears for eight months which will come to around Rs 89 crore”.
Referring to the RTE Act, Sangma informed that he did not receive any report that parents were asked to pay admission fees in schools following RTE. “If there is any (report) then remedial action will be taken,” he added.
As for the provincialisation of schools, he said it would be a burden on the exchequer of the state though the government is in consultation with the stakeholders to resolve the issue.
The chief minister also said proper infrastructure will be provided to schools though “the government will have to work under certain financial constraints”.
As for schools functioning with one teacher, Sangma said there will be rationalisation of teachers and recruitment to maintain teacher-student ratio. He also mooted introduction of smart classes.
