By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 1: The Madanrting Dorbar Shnong, supported by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), temporarily shut down a Hindi-medium school in the locality on Wednesday for failing to introduce Khasi as a subject.
The action was taken against Madan Hindi Pathshala Secondary School, as the management failed to honour repeated assurances to introduce Khasi.
The Dorbar Shnong said the matter has been under discussion since 2024, with several meetings and reminders issued, including one last year, but without any concrete outcome.
The issue has gained significance in light of a recent state government notification making proficiency in local languages mandatory for recruitment under the District Selection Committee.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Madanrting Rangbah Shnong Ricky Lyngdoh said the decision to temporarily shut the school was taken following receipt of fresh complaints that no steps had been taken to introduce the subject.
“The absence of Khasi deprives students of the opportunity to appear for it in their matriculation examinations. Despite repeated follow-ups, the school failed to act, leaving us with no option but to intervene,” he said.
During the visit, village authorities, along with KSU members, entered the school premises, held discussions with the principal, and asked students to leave for the day before directing the suspension of classes.
“The school will remain closed on Thursday. We will hold another meeting with the management on Monday and decide the next course of action after hearing their response,” Lyngdoh said.
The Rangbah Shnong rejected the school management’s claim that financial constraints were preventing the appointment of a Khasi teacher, pointing out that Khasi-speaking teachers are already available in the school.
“It is up to the management to utilise existing resources and introduce the subject. We want Khasi to be taught from the lower classes so that students are properly prepared,” Lyngdoh added.
The Rangbah Shnong said the absence of Khasi has already begun to affect enrolment, with some students reportedly leaving the institution.
Despite being one of the older schools in the area, it currently has a relatively low student strength. The school authorities have not issued any official statement on the matter so far.
