By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 21: The state government is optimistic about starting the next academic session of Class XI by June 1 although a record number of students passed their SSLC examination this year.
The pass rate this year was 87.10%, compared to 55.80% last year. In light of this, there is a perception that accommodating the students into Class XI will be a challenge for the government.
The government on Monday held detailed discussions on the matter.
Director of School Education and Literacy Banteilang J Kharshandi said discussions were held to upgrade four government secondary schools to the higher secondary level.
Directions have been issued to all District School Education Officers (DSEOs) to distribute admission forms for different streams to which these institutions want to upgrade.
“Depending on the response from students, the DSEOs will actually take a call on whether the proposal for the introduction of new streams in the existing institutions needs to be sent or not,” Kharshandi said.
He said it will not be justified if a stream is opened in a school for mere 8-9 students since the matter also entails the appointment of teachers.
“For example, if we get at least 30-40 students to start the science stream in any government higher secondary school, then a proposal may be sent to us. We will take the approval of the cabinet and give instructions to all DSEOs to go ahead with the admission process,” he said.
It was learnt that people responded positively to the idea of opening morning shifts in Baghmara. The Baghmara Government Higher Secondary School and the Capt Williamson Sangma Memorial College can accommodate as many as 350 students.
School upgrade, new streams, addl shifts
The state government is expected to soon decide on upgrading secondary schools to the higher secondary level, along with proposals for introducing new streams and additional shifts.
Following a meeting chaired by Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri on Tuesday, Director of School Education and Literacy, Banteilang J Kharshandi, stated that the government will take action once the proposals are submitted by the District School Education Officers (DSEOs).
Regarding Class XI admissions, Kharshandi said DSEOs have already been instructed to issue admission forms for various streams in institutions seeking upgradation to the higher secondary level.
He added that DSEOs have also been asked to evaluate proposals from existing institutions for introducing new streams, based on student interest and demand.
The proposals are expected to be finalized by the DSEOs before being submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
“We expect the proposals for new streams and additional shifts to be finalised by Tuesday. Once that’s done, the government will decide on closing admissions and announcing the start of the new academic session,” said Kharshandi, who also serves as Deputy Secretary of the Education department.
He further noted that teacher appointments will be based on assessments made by the DSEOs. “There is no justification for opening a new stream or hiring teachers if there are only eight to ten students,” he said.
The government will consider introducing new streams and appointing teachers only if there are at least 30 to 40 students enrolled.
Kharshandi added that once the Cabinet gives its approval, DSEOs will be directed to proceed with the admission process. To ensure the new academic session begins on time, temporary appointments may be made while regular recruitment is underway, he said.
The DSEL Director also assured that, based on current data, existing government and private institutions will have enough seats to accommodate all students, including those awaiting CBSE and ICSE results.