KSU writes to edu minister on students’ plight

SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) central executive council has written to Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui highlighting the plight of students.
The union has urged the minister to direct schools and colleges not to distribute forms now as there are restrictions on movement of people and public transport is not easily available.
With the HSSLC examination scheduled to be held on July 8, the KSU has said public and private transportation (with no odd/even rule) should be made available on the specific days of examination within the city, district and inter-district so as to allow students from different parts of the state to reach their centres without any obstacle.
The union also stressed the need for safety guidelines to be taken by schools and colleges during examinations.
It has asked the government to provide essential equipment like infrared heat thermometer, gloves, mask, sanitisers, disinfectants and PPEs because some educational institutes might not have the financial strength to buy the safety items.
Keeping in mind the troubles of poor families, the KSU has requested the minister to direct schools and colleges to identify students from economically weak background and waive off or decrease their fees by some percentage. Besides, sufficient time should be given to students and their parents, who can afford to pay, to deposit fees.
“Though the Department of Education of Meghalaya on April 25 has concluded to waive off the fees from March to May, 2020 for students coming from lesser background but as of yet no official resolution or order has been passed and the Union has witnessed that schools and colleges are demanding fees from the students without any consideration,” KSU said.
KSU suggested the office to pass an official order or resolution and forward it to educational institutes to make them aware of the decision taken by the government.