By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 23: The Directorate of Educational Research & Training (DERT) has come under fire following the announcement of a Research Associate vacancy that offers a meagre Rs 2,000 per month for a six-month temporary position.
The post, which requires candidates to hold a Master’s degree in Education and have a research experience at the postgraduate level or higher, has been widely criticised for its low pay and stringent qualifications.
Initially, the job notification also required a PhD, but after receiving backlash, the DERT withdrew the original notice and reissued it with the qualification revised to “preferably with a PhD”.
Despite this adjustment, the issue has ignited a broader debate about the value placed on education and research in the state.
Alexander Lewis Passah, a PhD scholar in the Department of Anthropology at North-Eastern Hill University, aired his discontent and said, “It is extremely upsetting to witness the utter lack of appreciation that the DERT displayed towards research. The job advertisement demanded the highest educational degree but only offered the bare minimum compensation, reflecting the growing trend of exploitative labour practices and precarious working conditions.”
“This blatant disregard for meaningful employment is wholly unacceptable. It is unrealistic to expect individuals to remain motivated to pursue a research career if the state fails to recognise the significance of research outcomes,” Passah added.
Another PhD scholar expressed similar sentiments, casting aspersions on the government’s lack of support for highly educated individuals. “We spend almost five years of our lives earning a PhD, with the intention of serving the state and its people. But if we are offered such meagre amounts, it is no wonder we look elsewhere for better opportunities.”
Meanwhile, TMC MLA Mukul Sangma weighed in on the issue, questioning the fairness of the remuneration offered to PhD scholars.
“Is this an amount a PhD scholar deserves after investing so much money and hard work into earning their degree?,” Sangma said.
Criticising the high unemployment rate in Meghalaya, he suggested that such low wages contribute to the same.