TURA, July 3: The A’chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO) has come forward to oppose the recent MoU signed between the state’s Education department and Tura Mother’s Union for managing 20 government schools in West Garo Hills. The organisation argues that certain provisions of the MoU contradict the principles of equitable governance, financial transparency, and professional dignity, posing an existential threat to the stability and integrity of the educational ecosystem.
In this regard, AYWO has written to Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma, calling for a comprehensive review of the agreement, rescinding detrimental clauses, and initiating inclusive stakeholder consultations to rectify grave oversights. Specifically, the organisation has expressed opposition to three clauses of the MoU. Clause 1(c) is believed to constitute excessive delegation of authority to an NGO, while Clause 2(e) is argued to undermine professional autonomy. Clause 3, according to AYWO, engenders dependency on a non-government entity, likely to foster inefficiencies and potential conflict among teachers, the NGO, and the department.
AYWO has also pointed out that the lack of transparency and inclusivity in the formulation of the MoU has eroded public trust, fostering alienation and disempowerment among stakeholders. The organisation perceives the decision to entrust the Mothers’ Union as an irresponsible and unilateral act that disregards the perspectives of those most directly impacted.
The potential fallout from this ill-conceived arrangement cannot be overstated, AYWO warns, risking division and dysfunction rather than fostering a fruitful partnership. Therefore, the organisation has called for the reconsideration and revocation of problematic clauses, particularly those related to the NOC requirement for salary disbursement and delegation of sweeping administrative and financial authority to the NGO. These clauses, AYWO argues, are incompatible with the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
AYWO demands that any future agreements or revisions to the MoU must be preceded by comprehensive, inclusive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including teachers, school management committees, community representatives, and educational associations. The organisation also seeks the incorporation of explicit, enforceable provisions in the MoU to address potential non-compliance by the Mothers’ Union and safeguard the interests of schools, educators, and students. Furthermore, AYWO urges the department to reconsider the necessity of this MoU and explore alternative approaches to strengthen the governance of Lower Primary Schools.
AYWO has expressed solidarity with the All Meghalaya Primary School Teachers’ Association (AMPSTA) and the broader educational community in demanding the revocation of the MoU within one month. The organisation urges the government to address this imbroglio with utmost urgency.
