Shillong, Dec 19: The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Sohra commemorated its 25th Anniversary under the theme “Enriching Minds; Transforming Lives”, celebrating a quarter-century of dedicated service in strengthening teacher and elementary education in Meghalaya.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui in his keynote address noted that education has undergone major transformation over the past seven and a half years, with young learners placed at the centre of policy priorities.
Referring to the Supreme Court judgment, he reiterated that the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is compulsory, even for teachers with 25–30 years of service, as teaching requires continuous learning, re-learning, and professional upgradation.
He emphasised the crucial role played by DIET in teacher training and capacity building, especially in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP), which mandates that by 2030–34 all teachers must possess a four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) qualification. He described DIETs as relevant, multidisciplinary institutions aligned with national educational reforms.
He further drew attention to the existing disparity in pay and service benefits among teachers in some government-aided colleges, stating that despite similar qualifications, experience, and dedication, differences still exist. He stressed that quality teaching, commitment, and accountability must remain central, and assured that the government is aware of such issues and is working towards systemic reforms.
Rymbui also spoke on rationalisation of schools to ensure a minimum of five teachers per institution, and announced that 2,800 teaching posts will be filled in Meghalaya through a competitive process conducted by NEST. He encouraged aspiring teachers to adopt a competitive mindset, uphold dedication, and embrace hard work, stating that there is no substitute for hard work.
He informed that the State Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Meghalaya Teachers’ Training Academy, acknowledging that education is dynamic and teachers must continuously upgrade their skills. While acknowledging the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, he emphasized that AI will not replace human thinking, but AI literacy will be imparted to keep teachers and students future-ready.
Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem, Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, Principal of DIET Sohra, A. M. Sohliya presented a brief history of the institution, tracing its establishment in 2000 and highlighting its journey as a teacher training institute, its academic contributions, and community service initiatives, including social outreach activities.
An anniversary souvenir was also released on the occasion.
Teachers and faculty members who have served the institution over the past 25 years were felicitated and cultural programmes were presented by students and alumni.
