SHILLONG, OCT 16: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said that Meghalaya is the only State in the entire Northeast that supports private schools.
“We spend ₹1967 crore on salaries for our teachers, which includes ₹684 crore for government school teachers, and ₹917 crore in salaries for ad hoc teachers and support through grant-in-aid. No other State in the Northeast supports private schools through grant-in-aid,” Sangma said while addressing at the closing ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Nongkrem Government Upper Primary School in East Khasi Hills.
He also informed that the state government supports more than 4,000 private schools in Meghalaya through grant-in-aid.
“The return on these investments is not at the level we all desire. Money is not the concern. Where are we going wrong? Why are we not able to raise the standards of our schools? We are slowly working to improve learning outcomes. As we move along, we shall train our teachers so that they fulfil the criteria to be classified as qualified teachers.”
Sangma congratulated the school for its remarkable journey over the past 75 years, acknowledging the contributions of past principals, teachers, and students in shaping the institution.
He said the growth of the state rests in its human capital.
“Our government has accorded priority towards the development of educational infrastructure. Our ongoing initiatives to develop school infrastructure, streamline teacher salaries, and promote sports and educational programmes are all linked to the development of our youth.”
Informing that the government has made significant investments in different sectors, Sangma said, “Our government believes, and I as head of the government believe, that the greatest investment is the investment in human capital. All other investments would mean nothing if our human resource investment is not able to develop.”
On the challenges in the education sector, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of teacher training and holistic development. Citing a Chinese proverb, he said, “Investing in people yields long-term benefits, and nurturing students will provide returns for eternity.”
On the demand for upgradation of the school to Secondary or Higher Secondary level, he informed that the government would require consultations for such a matter, while assuring that the school will be given support for smart classrooms and computer rooms from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
He also informed that musical instruments would be provided to students to encourage engagement in music and the arts. He further informed the gathering of his personal connection to Nongkrem and the community, and pledged that the government would continue to support the development and welfare of the area.
During the programme, he also released the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir.
BJ Kharshandi, Director, Directorate of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), in his address, commended the school for maintaining a high standard of education despite its modest enrolment of 128 students and 12 teachers, including the headmaster.
Kharshandi highlighted three important points: the significance of quality education, the rigorous recruitment of highly qualified teachers in government schools, and the critical role of teachers’ dedication in ensuring that education reaches every child effectively.
By Our Reporter
