Editor,
It’s shameful how 10 schools in Meghalaya have scored a “zero” in the SSLC exams. The overall pass percentage has been the lowest in the last five years. Could it be because of the lockdown? But then, when the lockdown started in March, 2020 most of the Board exams were already over. Then what is the cause of this demoralising performance? It’s good to hear that the Education Minister has said an enquiry would be made into this dismal performance of some schools. But one wonders what an enquiry will dig out that is unknown to the authorities. The Minister has already admitted that the earlier probe report is yet to be implemented. Then what’s the use of another charade? The fact is that we have mastered the art of saying what we don’t mean. The authorities know very that the axiom, “Let the dogs bark, the caravan (of a stable government) will comfortably move on,” has been the acceptable thing and this issue will soon be forgotten, at the cost of our young minds!
Yours etc.,
D Syiemlieh,
Shillong-5
What ails the education system in Garo Hills?
Editor,
For the people of Garo Hills, the MBOSE SSLC exam results this year is both happy and sad, perhaps more on the sad side. Yes, we got the coveted topper from Tura which is another moment of reflected glory. The private school, which has been consistently doing news-making results for many years now, is the exception that proves the rule. The school is a living testimony to the fact that dedication and engagement of qualified teaching staff makes all the difference between success and failure. Hats off to the school authorities for bringing this glory to the entire Garo Hills!
The real purpose of this letter is not to blow the trumpet for anyone but to examine why other schools in Garo Hills are faring so miserably.
Let’s admit one thing: to the average Garos there is a strange lack of interest in education. The parents are nonchalant about their children’s education. Parents seldom take care of their children’s academic progress. Perhaps many are not academically qualified to delve into complex subjects that are taught in schools. It is also true that most parents think that the Garos are a protected lot with 40% of the government jobs already apportioned for them. Regardless of quality of education or the percentage of marks obtained, everybody is aware that besides, jobs, there are reserved quota of seats for various professional courses. This, to my mind, is the beginning of the undoing of the community.
What the parents are unable to do, should logically rest on the shoulders of the schools and the teachers. But what a pitiable scene our schools demonstrate. First, the quality of teachers in these schools, especially at the primary level, is simply abominable. When under-qualified people, unfit for any other job, become teachers, it is a sure road to self-destruction. Because of reservation the government aided schools are unable to attract good qualified teachers from other communities. And that’s where the battle is lost. Most teachers (exceptions are a few!) seem to be content to do a ‘job’. For, their income is not related to performance!
The biggest tragedy is that the Garo children have a weak foundation. It will not be an exaggeration to say that even in the higher classes most of them haven’t learnt even to construct a correct sentence in English or are able to solve simple arithmetical problems. If we dilute the issue by saying that these are alien subjects, then what about their basic knowledge of mother tongue? I am sorry to say but the picture is so gloomy that I don’t see a way out. We have destroyed the system by political appointments of teachers and manipulative control over the management.
Where do we go from here? What are the redressal mechanisms? It’s a Himalayan task to bring education back on the rails. At first, there has to be a societal and political will to not let education be tinkered by anybody for narrow and short-term gains. Stop grants-in-aid to the schools that have scored a shameful 0%. No leniency should be shown to anybody, even if they run around to hold the political apron strings.
Secondly, identify a few promising schools and nurture them. Give them additional facilities and encourage them all the way. Third, the NGOs that claim to champion the cause of the community, must step in to bring about a sense of competitiveness and pride among the youth. Like they say, we can drag the pony to the pond, but it is up to the pony whether to drink the water or not! In this case, there has be a thirst among the youth, which I am afraid is totally missing. I don’t know how other Garo brethren feel about it, but I for one, feel terribly small that in comparison to the Khasis, the Mizos and other tribes who started the journey together, we Garos are probably nowhere!
Thirdly, what about the official machinery? Where is the inspection and supervision? The system has become totally rotten. These may sound like strong words, but for how long can we run away from the bitter truth which has already started to bite us? The system needs an overhaul. The beginning has to be made by taking the first baby step: Make the officers visit the schools and send monthly reports to the higher-ups. Their job is not to push files in the comfort of their office. They must be given time-bound, achievable and challenging tasks. In case of failure to deliver, they must be made accountable. Of course, Shillong has to keep an eye on these officers.
In fine, we need to think out of the box. One of the revolutionary ideas I hold is to outsource the government funded schools to private entrepreneurs, not necessarily from the State, who have good track record of running educational institutes in the country. There are plenty of private players who have name and fame. Hand over the reins to them on a long-term basis, give them a free hand but monitor their progress. If they are unwilling, why not entrust the task to church missionaries or Ramakrishna Mission? Let our government not be the dog in the manger any more. The ball is in the court of Conrad Sangma, Lahkmen Rymbui and others to stem the rot. It’s now or never!
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email.