SHILLONG, Feb 3: NPP candidate from Mawkynrew, Amanda Pakyntein, has pledged to advocate for restoration of Lower Primary School Education (LPSE) under the control of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) if elected in the upcoming KHADC election, scheduled for February 21.
Pakyntein, who is the wife of sitting NPP MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh, emphasised the need to return LPSE management to the district councils. She noted that in previous years, lower primary education in Meghalaya was under the purview of the ADCs. However, in the 1990s, the State Education department took over the administration of these schools.
“I will raise this important issue to ensure that district councils regain the authority to manage lower primary schools,” said Pakyntein, who is a teacher by profession.
She also underscored the importance of strengthening the matrilineal system, stating that, as a woman, she would advocate for legislations aimed at empowering Khasi tribal women through the district councils. Additionally, she stressed the need to strengthen the district councils as institutions responsible for protecting and safeguarding the interests of indigenous tribes.
Meanwhile, Pakyntein expressed her commitment to following in her husband’s footsteps to bring development to the constituency if elected.
Addressing governance in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), she highlighted the need for greater transparency, particularly in the recruitment process to fill vacant posts within the council.
When asked about her defeat in the 2019 elections, Pakyntein attributed it to the combined efforts of former MLA Remington Pyngrope and sitting HSPDP MDC Martle N Mukhim.
“But this time, I am confident of winning,” she asserted.
Sitting NPP MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh accompanied his wife during the filing of her nomination papers.
