SHILLONG: Meghalaya Government has decided to raise the upper age limit from 27 to 32 years for appointment of teachers from primary school to college level. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting held here on Friday. This will raise the upper age-limit to 37 years for ST candidates.
Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui while terming it a ‘big decision’ further informed that the Government took the decision to raise the upper age limit since the state wanted quality teachers while adding that now-a-days, to become teacher they need extra qualifications.
He believed that the decision of the State Cabinet would give opportunity to those who need to obtain extra qualifications for joining the teaching profession.
“Now, for secondary schools, you need a bachelor degree holder along with bachelor of education (B Ed) and for higher secondary schools, you have to be a postgraduate with B Ed degree. Many brilliant and prospective teachers join the profession after graduation and by the age of 27 years as they think that by the time they finish their PG, they will have very less year to apply for teaching job,” he said.
At present the upper age limit is 27 years with a relaxation of five years for ST candidates .
Meanwhile, the State Cabinet also approved the appointment of 16 lecturers in Tura and Williamnagar Government College
As per the decision, 13 lecturers were appointed in Tura Government College and three in Williamnagar Government College.
The State Cabinet also approved the proposal to enhance the merit scholarship for students in the lower primary and upper primary level.
Informing that the Directorate of Educational Research and Training every year conducts examination for the merit scholarship in the 15 civil sub divisions across the State, Rymbui said that the merit scholarship for the lower primary level has been enhanced from the existing Rs 100 to Rs 600 per month
The merit scholarship for the upper primary level was also increased from the existing Rs 40 to Rs 600 per months.
“We hope that this decision will motivate the students,” Rymbui added