By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 16: Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET)-qualified candidates have renewed their appeal to the state government to immediately expedite the recruitment process for vacant teaching posts in government lower and upper primary schools. The candidates warn that prolonged delays, spanning nearly three years, are causing eligible applicants to cross the upper age limit ahead of the 2026 academic session.
The candidates, from the 2023 and 2025 MTET batches, submitted a representation to Education Department Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar on November 4. They highlighted that no major recruitment drive has been conducted for the past two-and-a-half years and criticised the government’s prolonged silence on the matter.
They expressed alarm that without immediate advertisement of vacancies, many qualified applicants risk crossing the maximum age for recruitment before schools reopen next year.
The applicants questioned the utility of completing the mandatory two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) and clearing the MTET when teaching posts in government schools have not been advertised or filled for nearly three years. They contrasted this delay with the regular recruitment conducted by other departments through the District Selection Committees (DSC) and the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC).
The candidates specifically urged the government to grant age relaxation, pointing out that several qualified candidates and in-service teachers are already nearing or have crossed the upper age limit due to the delay.
They referenced a December 11, 2024, Office Memorandum (OM) from the Education Department, which extended the upper age limit for Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste candidates from 32 to 40 years, along with an additional five-year relaxation for SSA teachers, and appealed for similar consideration for all affected applicants. They stated that many qualified teachers are eager to serve the state and strengthen the education system.
In related developments, former Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma had stated in July this year that the recruitment process for lower primary teachers was nearing completion.
At the time, he acknowledged technical complexities were causing delays, though he expressed hope that advertisements for all districts would be issued within a week. Sangma had estimated there were more than 600 vacancies in government lower primary schools and between 150 to 200 vacancies in higher secondary schools.
