SHILLONG: The state government has decided to increase the upper age limit from 27 to 32 years for appointment of teachers from primary school to college levels.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held here on Friday.
Terming it as a “big decision”, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the government took the decision because “the state wants quality teachers who will impart quality education to students”.
“This will give opportunity to those who need to obtain extra qualifications for joining the teaching profession. Now, for secondary schools, you need bachelor’s degree (in any subject) along with BEd. For higher secondary schools, you have to be a postgraduate with BEd and many brilliant prospective teachers enter the profession by the age of 27 as they think that by the time they finish their post-graduation, they will have less time to apply for teaching job,” he added.
At present, the upper age limit is 27 years with a relaxation of five years for ST candidates.
The Cabinet also approved the appointment of 16 lecturers in Tura and Williamnagar government colleges. Thirteen lecturers were appointed in Tura and three in Williamnagar.
The Cabinet also approved the proposal to enhance merit scholarship for students at lower and upper primary levels.
Informing that every year the Directorate of Educational Research and Training conducts examination for the scholarship in the 15 civil sub-divisions across the state, Rymbui said for the lower primary level, it has been enhanced from the existing Rs 100 to Rs 600 per month and for the upper primary, it has been increased from Rs 400 to Rs 600 per month.
“We hope that this decision will motivate students,” he added.
