SHILLONG, Nov 3: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Sunday made a three-point proposal to Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, questioning his commitment to improving Meghalaya’s educational standards.
“If he is truly serious, I am giving him three tasks,” said VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh. “First, regulate the service conditions and qualifications of teachers in the private sector. Second, mandate that educational institutions in the state adhere to UGC qualifications. Third, revoke the Meghalaya Higher and Technical Education Service Rules 2012 and introduce new regulations that will elevate higher education in the state to a national standard.”
Responding to the Education minister’s recent remarks about discussing the issue “over the table,” Myrboh commented, “The minister spoke through the media, and the media itself is the table.”
Myrboh continued, “If he’s serious about improving the educational landscape in our state, he should start by implementing Section 9, Clause 1 of the Meghalaya School Education Act, 1981.”
Explaining further, he said, “Meghalaya relies heavily on the private sector for education, both at the school and college levels. Yet, in the private sector, there’s a lack of regulation, and at the college level, there isn’t even a law to govern this.”
He added, “At least at the school level, we have the Meghalaya School Education Act, which states that the government may regulate the qualifications and service conditions of teachers in recognized private schools.”
“However, it’s been 43 years since this law was enacted, and no regulations have been put in place. Private school teachers are paid meagre salaries, with no EPF or social security,” he said.
Myrboh emphasised that if the Education minister is truly committed to educational reform, he should also focus on attracting quality teachers. “At the college level, the government should provide UGC pay scales to all teachers and enforce UGC qualification requirements.”
He further stated, “I’m highlighting this because, over the years, we’ve seen unqualified teachers appointed, while those with UGC qualifications are overlooked.”
“This is a serious issue,” he added. “I urge the Education minister to scrap the Meghalaya Higher and Technical Education Service Rules 2012 and establish new service rules aligned with UGC standards.”
