SHILLONG: The Joint Action Committee of All Teachers Association of Meghalaya (JACATAM) has demanded upgradation of ad hoc schools to deficit system.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, general secretary of JACATAM Kenneth Shadap said there are 1857 existing ad hoc schools and 7082 teachers.
The last upgradation of upper primary schools was in 1989-1990. He said there has been no upgradation since.
He pointed out that the central government is looking into the matter.
Shadap had writtento the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, on October 7, 2017 pointing out the need to improve the education scenario in the state by removing the different school categories and also made a mention of equal pay for equal work.
In reply, the Under Secretary to the Government of India. Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Department of School Education and Literacy said the matter comes under the purview of the state government.
In this connection, Shadap was requested to take necessary action and accordingly intimate Athawale as well as the MHRD Department of School Education and Literacy.
Ghost schools
Asked on the existence of ghost schools, Shadap said in the state around 10 per cent are ghost schools and asserted that such schools should be removed.
“We don’t support ghost schools and ghost teachers,” he said adding that they need the state government to inspect such schools along with JACATAM.
He alleged political backing as the reason behind the existence of the ghost schools.
