Consultative meet addresses educational challenges in JH

JOWAI, Sep 11: A consultative meeting aimed at addressing the pressing issues in the education sector was held at the Kiang Nangbah Government College Auditorium, Jowai. The meeting was chaired by Prof SM Sungoh, State Education Commissioner, and attended by key education stakeholders, including Prof. David Ried Syiemlieh, Tony TC Marak, as well as principals and heads of schools from both East and West Jaintia Hills districts.
The primary objective of the meeting was to assess the current educational landscape in the region and gather insights to help the State Education Commission make informed recommendations to the government. Prof SM Sungoh emphasised the need for collaboration between educators and the government to address challenges, particularly in the implementation of new initiatives, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Prof Sungoh stressed the importance of holistic development, encompassing the academic, physical, and mental growth of students. She reiterated the collective responsibility of educators to shape and prepare students for self-sufficiency.
During the meeting, educators voiced a series of concerns, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient toilet facilities, and a shortage of trained teachers. There was a strong call for improved teacher training and professional development to enhance the quality of education in the region.
One of the key issues raised was the lack of access to coaching for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Educators highlighted that students, especially those from rural or underprivileged backgrounds, often struggle to access quality coaching, putting them at a disadvantage in higher education opportunities. They called for the establishment of coaching classes to better support students in their CUET preparation.
In addition to the educators, Additional Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills, B Blah, and Additional Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, JU Kharpuri, also participated in the discussion, sharing their perspectives on the challenges facing the educational institutions in the region.