ST’s talk show evokes animated opinions from viewers
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 29: An episode of The Shillong Times talk show called Let’s Talk, titled “Do teachers need to hit the streets for salary hike?” which premiered on YouTube on October 28, drew animated responses from viewers who weighed in on the unique pressures facing teachers in Meghalaya.
The panel included Director of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) Director, Swapnil Tembe, former spokesperson of the Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya, Mayborn Lyngdoh, former president of Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) ED Nongsiang, and VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh.
A user, ‘delphinaryyntong4920’, backed the conversation around teachers’ overload, saying, “Yes, I agree with Sir Mayborn; teachers are doing everything except teaching, from mid-day meals to election duty.”
One Defender S Lamare added, “I can see Shri Tembe struggling to defend the department. The teachers’ problems are older than his age and term.”
Others highlighted the disparities in qualifications. Leenzleenza remarked, “MTET for teachers, but no MTET for the education minister… sad, sad, sad (sic).”
Another user ‘marisa5682’ voiced a common frustration: “In our state, it has become a habit that unless we hit the street, the government won’t pay any heed, even for our salaries.”
Many appreciated Tembe’s efforts but noted the institutional challenges. “Swapnil Tembe is doing his best… but the NPP is an obstacle,” observed a viewer. Meanwhile, ‘rangdapkuparkhongthah7480’ noted the tension in the room, adding, “Tembe looked uncomfortable in front of Dr Batskhem. The latter hit hard on the former.”
Netizens’ opinions also touched on the curriculum, with ‘lilcapture2299’ bemoaning that math and grammar basics have “disappeared.” Another user ‘Photonix_05’, showcasing his concern about the teacher’s responsibility, said some government teachers neglect their duties, leaving aided teachers with extra work.
Amit Mazumdar further added up to the frustrations, urging, “Please keep teachers from clerical work like UDISE, TIMS… don’t make them clerks.”
