SHILLONG, March 15: Amid talks about smart classrooms and an upgraded education system in the state, Gambegre MLA Saleng A Sangma, on Tuesday, pointed out that on the ground even Mathematics teachers are not present in certain schools.
Saleng, who is the State NCP chief, said this during the question hour of the Assembly on overcoming the disruption of education system caused by COVID-19.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui had earlier told the House that the government has taken many initiatives to promote STEM Education in government-aided schools across the state by setting up smart classrooms, ICT laboratories, Science laboratories and capacity building programme pertaining to Mathematics and Science teachers under Supporting Human Capital Development Project (SHCDP).
As many as 731 government-aided schools have computer facilities, while 297 schools have computer along with internet facilities, Rymbui informed.
Appreciating the steps taken by the Education department, Saleng, however, questioned as to how many government schools have so far availed the smart classroom facility.
When Saleng pointed out that a government school in Tura does not have a permanent teacher and a contractual teacher has also not been appointed, Rymbui replied that he did not have the records at the moment and sought a notice.
He, nonetheless, assured to look into it.
On yet another query raised by Saleng Sangma in regard to the duration of training of teachers for online teaching, Rymbui said that the teachers enrolled themselves through government programme under NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) on DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing).
Raising concern over the constant network connectivity problem, Saleng cast doubts on the students’ future, especially for those in areas without proper connectivity.
In reply, the Education minister said that he had repeatedly emphasized that classroom teaching must return at the earliest. He also informed the House that many teachers have been making home visits to impart education.