By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 30: The Meghalaya School Welfare Development Association (MSWDA) on Monday expressed serious concern over the government’s “continued neglect” of Secondary and Higher Secondary schools in the state.
In a statement, Association president HM Marbaniang said data provided by the DSEL reveals a significant shortfall in government support to schools at these levels.
According to the data, Meghalaya has 115 Higher Secondary schools – 29 government-run, 17 deficit, and 69 ad hoc institutions.
At the Secondary level, there are 121 deficit schools and nine under the deficit pattern. Additionally, 382 schools receive both ad hoc grants for general teachers and science grants, while 219 schools receive only science grants, leaving many teachers without financial support.
Marbaniang said despite repeated appeals by recognised (permitted) schools through District School Education Officers (DSEOs), proposals for financial assistance are often rejected without proper justification. “If the government had gradually included deserving schools over time, the situation would have improved. Instead, many institutions and some for over 20 years have been deprived of ad hoc grants,” he said.
He further alleged that the selective provision of grants has created disparities among teachers performing the same duties, affecting both morale and school administration. “Even the 219 schools that receive only science grants should have been extended full support long ago,” he added.
The association also raised concerns that the government appears to be focusing more on lower primary and upper primary levels, particularly up to Class VIII, while overlooking the critical Secondary and Higher Secondary stages.
“The performance of any school is ultimately judged by SSLC and HSSLC results. Ignoring these levels will impact overall educational outcomes,” Marbaniang said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by rural institutions, he noted that many parents are unable to afford high school fees, making government support crucial for maintaining quality education and retaining qualified teachers.
Marbaniang also flagged uncertainty surrounding 1,544 SSA schools – 835 lower primary and 709 upper primary – which have not handed over their management to the government.
Of these, 110 are in Garo Hills and 1,434 in Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Concerns were raised over the lack of clarity regarding their future categorisation and the suspension of substitute teacher appointments.
In view of these issues, the Association called for a general meeting on April 6 at 11 am at Khasi National Durbar Hall, Mawkhar.
