The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has highlighted issues concerning the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) in Thadlaskeiñ with the Directorate of Educational and Research Training (DERT).
Members of the JNC met with DERT Director R.S. Manners in Shillong today. During the meeting, the group sought filling up of two vacancies, pending scholarships of students and also suggested holding of the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET) examination annually.
According to the JNC general secretary Wanshwa Suting the DIET has only 14 teachers after two teachers were transferred. “Existing teachers are already struggling to manage their workload due to ongoing programs and training. Insufficient teacher availability in the institute will compromise the quality of education and training provided to teacher trainees. Teacher trainees’ education will suffer due to incomplete or delayed training,” he said.
The JNC said since the MTET examination, held once every two years, is causing undue burden on aspiring teachers who have completed D.El.Ed and B.Ed courses, the DERT could conduct the test annually like CTET conducted by the centre. “The two-year waiting period results in a significant waste of time for candidates. Many teachers will exceed the age limit, making them ineligible for the exam,” it added.
Besides the release of scholarships to students, the JNC also highlighted the existing sanitary toilet at the institute, which according to it, is on the verge of collapse.
The group said that the Director was receptive to the issues raised and were informed that the advertisement of the vacant posts will be out soon and that preparation to conduct MTET annually may start by 2025.
Concerning the scholarship of the students, the Director informed that the department had made the sanction and would be released soon.
