By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 7: KHADC Executive Member Powell Sohkhlet has urged the state government to immediately fill 677 vacant teacher posts in government Lower Primary (LP) schools across Meghalaya, including 29 in Eastern West Khasi Hills district.
Sohkhlet, the MDC from Mawthadraishan, expressed concern about the prolonged recruitment delay despite the availability of qualified candidates. He pointed out that many aspirants who have cleared the Meghalaya Teachers Eligibility Test (MTET) and hold a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) are still awaiting appointments.
“Why is there a delay in recruitment when eligible candidates are already available?” he asked, addressing reporters on Tuesday.
Highlighting the impact of the teachers’ shortage, Sohkhlet said the burden on existing teachers has increased significantly, affecting the quality of education.
“How can two teachers manage a classroom of 120 students?” he asked, warning that such conditions could harm the academic future of children.
He cited a case from Eastern West Khasi Hills where a government LP school remained closed for over three weeks following the transfer of its sole teacher.
Sohkhlet also called for better rationalisation of teacher deployment, noting disparities across schools. He pointed out that some schools with minimal enrolment have more teachers, while others with over 100 students are severely understaffed.
“The Education Department should redistribute teachers from schools with fewer students to those with higher enrolment to ensure effective teaching,” he said.
Stressing the urgency of the issue, Sohkhlet added, “Our children deserve quality education. The government must take immediate steps to address this shortage.”
He also raised concerns over the distribution of funds meant for the repair and renovation of 180 government LP schools in the state, alleging an imbalance in allocations across districts. He pointed out that the Eastern West Khasi Hills district has been allotted funds for only eight schools, despite having over 80 government LP schools, many of which are in poor condition.
In comparison, he said West Garo Hills received funds for 38 schools, West Jaintia Hills 29, East Khasi Hills 19, East Jaintia Hills nine, and West Khasi Hills eight.
Acknowledging the state government’s initiative to improve school infrastructure, he said the allocation pattern appears uneven and needs a review to ensure fairness. He further suggested that a portion of the Rs 125-crore allocation be extended to deficit and ad hoc schools as well.
“The government pays teachers in these schools, but maintenance of infrastructure is left to the managing committees. There is a need to support these schools, too,” he said.
Sohkhlet called for strict monitoring of the implementation process, urging Dorbar Shnong and school management committees to ensure transparency and proper utilisation of funds by contractors so that the intended benefits reach the students.
