By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 4: The Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET)-qualified candidates on Tuesday urged the state government to expedite the recruitment process for vacant teaching posts in government lower and upper primary schools across the state.
In a representation submitted to the Commissioner and Secretary of Education department, Vijay Kumar, the MTET-qualified candidates from the 2023 and 2025 batches expressed concern that no recruitment has been carried out in the last two and a half years.
They stated that the delay in filling vacant posts has affected both qualified candidates and the quality of education in government schools.
The group also appealed to the government to temporarily postpone the next MTET examination until the recruitment process for previously qualified candidates is completed. They further urged the Education department to appoint MTET and D.El.Ed/DIET regular-passed candidates and ensure that each primary school has at least three to four teachers to reduce the burden on single-teacher schools and improve the teaching-learning process.
The representation also highlighted that several MTET-qualified candidates and in-service teachers are close to crossing the upper age limit for recruitment, with some already having exceeded it due to the prolonged delay. The candidates requested that age relaxation be granted to ensure fair opportunities for all eligible teachers.
They cited the Education department’s Office Memorandum dated December 11, 2024, which extends the upper age limit for Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste candidates from 32 to 40 years, with an additional five-year relaxation for SSA teachers.
The candidates also appealed to the government to expedite the appointment process at the earliest, stating that many are eager to serve the state with dedication and contribute to improving the education system.
A copy of the representation was also submitted to the Personal Secretary to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for his information.
