VPP seeks inquiry into teacher recruitment ‘irregularities’ in Dadenggre
Education minister says probe already initiated, provides details
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 29: Several MLAs including from the opposition delved deeply into a discussion on Thursday highlighting the growing concerns over the integrity of the education system in Meghalaya.
The Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has called for an inquiry into allegations of manipulation in the appointment of teachers in Dadenggre sub-division. The issue was raised by VPP president and North Shillong MLA, Ardent Basaiawmoit, during a short duration discussion in the Assembly on Thursday.
Basaiawmoit highlighted that the Education department had advertised the Meghalaya Teachers Eligibility Test (MTET) examination in 2018. Subsequently, the Sub-Divisional Education Officer (SDEO) of Dadenggre issued a notice indicating that language proficiency would be required according to the medium of instruction of the schools.
According to Basaiawmoit, the SDEO Dadenggre announced the selection of 34 candidates for teaching positions. However, an RTI inquiry later revealed that 32 out of the 34 candidates had allegedly secured their appointments through unscrupulous means, including forgery.
“I have the evidence according to RTI findings,” he said, asserting that these appointments were manipulated.
One of the most glaring examples cited by Basaiawmoit was the case of a candidate named Md Saddam Hussain, who claimed to have obtained a diploma in elementary education from a university in Uttar Pradesh. However, the RTI findings revealed that the university had no record of such a person ever enrolling in or completing any course.
Additionally, Basaiawmoit pointed out that 15 other candidates had submitted certificates from Assam, raising questions about their authenticity.
Basaiawmoit expressed deep concern over the lack of action against the officials involved in these alleged manipulations, referencing a report from The Shillong Times that questioned the Meghalaya government’s alleged patronage of a particular officer.
He demanded that the state government conduct an inquiry to verify the information and take appropriate action if the allegations are proven true.
Basaiawmoit added, “I demand to constitute an inquiry to investigate and verify whether the information available with us and the aggrieved party is true or not”.
During the discussion, Congress MLA Ronnie V Lyngdoh also criticised the Education department, urging it to address the widespread manipulation that undermines the interests of teachers and students. Lyngdoh highlighted the delays in approving ad-hoc grants under the People’s College Scheme, which he said frustrates teachers and discourages talented individuals from entering the education sector.
He called on the Minister concerned to ensure that these issues are addressed promptly to serve the best interests of the student community. “If it takes more than a year to give approval that means there is something wrong and we are not working for the larger interest of the student community,” Lyngdoh remarked.
Opposition TMC leader Mukul Sangma voiced his concerns over the declining trust and confidence in government schools, attributing it to the quality of teachers. He emphasised the need to protect the integrity of the education system and resist the pressure to manipulate appointments for political gain.
North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum also joined the discussion, stressing the importance of addressing the state’s poor education rankings even after 50 years of statehood.
He called for an immediate end to the manipulation in teacher appointments and urged the government to take stern action against those responsible.
UDP MLA from Shella constituency, Balajied Kupar Synrem, raised concerns about the disproportionate teacher-student ratios in some government schools. He suggested that schools should be combined to ensure a balanced ratio, which would improve the quality of education.
Probe into Dadenggre case initiated: Rakkam
After VPP chief Ardent Basaiawmoit and others raised the alleged Dadenggre teacher recruitment manipulation case, Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma informed the House that a probe has already been initiated into the alleged irregularities. A preliminary report of the inquiry committee has been submitted and is under review, with appropriate action to be taken in due course of time, he told the members.
The minister stated that a three-member committee has been constituted to investigate the allegations of fake D.El.Ed certificates produced by two candidates — Haidar Hussain Mollah and Md. Saddam Hussain. The committee’s report is currently under examination.
“The allegation is serious in nature. The department constituted a three-member committee on May 13, 2014, comprising the District School Education Officer, West Garo Hills, Tura, as Chairman, and the Sub-Divisional School Education Officers of Tura and Ampati as Members, to oversee the allegations,” he said.
Informing that the terms of reference for the committee were to review all the relevant documents submitted by Haidar Hussain Mollah and Md. Saddam Hussain, he added that the terms also include providing a detailed report of the findings and recommending appropriate action.
The report of the committee is under examination.
Additionally, the minister mentioned that a counter-complaint has been filed by the accused candidates against Istiak Alom, alleging fraud and the use of fake certificates. The Directorate, along with the District and Sub-Divisional authorities, is investigating the matter, and appropriate action will be taken.
“The matter has been seriously taken up by the Directorate and the District and Sub-Divisional authorities to ascertain the truth and validate the claims and counterclaims made by the aggrieved parties. The preliminary report of the inquiry committee has been submitted and is under review, with appropriate action to be taken in due course of time,” he added.
The minister also sought cooperation and support from all members of the House in his endeavor to improve the education system.
“I would like to reiterate that the state government is seriously addressing the issue of quality education in the state, despite challenges, and aspires to bring about change in attitude and to uplift and improve the welfare of the education fraternity,” he added.