The Western Region of the Jaintia Students’ Movement wants the RTE implemented strictly
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 2: The Jaintia Students’ Movement (JSM), Western Region, has urged the state Education Department to implement the Right to Education Act, ensure the timely disbursement of uniform grants, and establish higher educational institutions along with a CUET examination centre in the Jaintia Hills.
In a memorandum submitted to the Commissioner and Secretary of the Education Department, Vijay Kumar Mantri, through the District School Education Officer (DSEO) of West Jaintia Hills on Monday, JSM Western Region secretary, S. Suchiang, said that they have highlighted several issues affecting students and sought immediate government intervention.
The student body emphasised the need for strict enforcement of Article 21A of the Constitution of India and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which guarantees free education for children between six and fourteen years of age.
Suchiang alleged that some schools continue to collect unauthorised fees, violating the Act’s provisions and creating financial barriers for economically weaker students. The JSM urged the department to issue clear directives prohibiting such practices, conduct inspections, and initiate action against institutions violating statutory norms.
He also expressed concern about frequent delays in disbursing uniform grants to government school students. According to the organisation, such delays undermine the objective of free education and place an additional financial burden on poor families.
The memorandum called for a time-bound release mechanism, monitoring through Direct Benefit Transfer, public disclosure of schedules, and departmental accountability for delays.
Referring to the recent announcement by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma regarding the establishment of agriculture, veterinary, livestock, and fishery colleges in the state, Suchiang requested that at least one of these institutions be located in Jaintia Hills.
He stated that the region has a strong agricultural base, a growing livestock and fishery sector, and a large student population without access to nearby higher education facilities. Establishing such institutions, it said, would promote balanced regional development.
Suchiang further demanded the establishment of a Common University Entrance Test examination centre in the Jaintia Hills in coordination with the National Testing Agency.
“At present, students from the district are required to travel outside the region and sometimes outside the state to appear for the examination, causing financial hardship and limiting access to higher education opportunities,” he said.
He urged the government to take corrective steps on all the issues raised and requested a written response outlining action taken or proposed.
The organisation expressed hope that the government would address the concerns in the interest of transparency, social justice, and inclusive educational development.
