Meghalaya only state in NE to provide grant-in-aid to private schools
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 16: The Meghalaya government spends ₹1,967 crore annually on teachers’ salaries, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma revealed on Thursday.
He shared the break-up – ₹684 crore for government school teachers and ₹917 crore for ad hoc teachers, besides grant-in-aid support to private schools.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the platinum jubilee celebration of Nongkrem Government Upper Primary School in East Khasi Hills, Sangma said Meghalaya is the only state in the Northeast that provides grant-in-aid support to private schools.
“The state government supports more than 4,000 private schools in Meghalaya through grant-in-aid. No other state in the Northeast does so,” the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to human capital development, he said education remains its top priority.
“Our ongoing initiatives to develop school infrastructure, streamline teacher salaries, and promote sports and educational programmes are all linked to the development of our youth,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges in the education sector, he underscored the importance of teacher training and holistic development.
Sangma said, “Investing in people yields long-term benefits, and nurturing students will provide returns for eternity.”
He noted that the government has made significant investments across sectors but the greatest investment remains in human capital. “All other investments would mean nothing if our human resource investment is not able to develop,” he stated.
Reflecting on the current state of education, he admitted that the return on investments in the sector has not reached the desired level.
“Money is not the concern. Where are we going wrong? Why are we not able to raise the standards of our schools? We are slowly working to improve learning outcomes. As we move along, we shall train our teachers so that they fulfil the criteria to be classified as qualified teachers,” he added.
Congratulating the Nongkrem Government Upper Primary School on its 75th anniversary, Sangma lauded the contributions of past principals, teachers, and students in shaping the institution over the years.
On the demand for upgrading the school to the secondary or higher secondary level, he said the government will hold consultations on the matter. However, he assured support for smart classrooms and computer rooms under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund.
He also announced that musical instruments would be provided to the students.
Expressing his personal connection to Nongkrem and its people, Sangma pledged continued government support for the development and welfare of the area. During the programme, he also released the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir.
Earlier, Director of School Education and Literacy BJ Kharshandi commended the school for maintaining a high standard of education despite its modest enrolment of 128 students and 12 teachers, including the headmaster.
Kharshandi highlighted the importance of quality education, the recruitment of qualified teachers in government schools, and the critical role of teachers’ dedication in ensuring that education reaches every child effectively.
