Shillong, Oct 16: Meghalaya is the only state in the entire Northeast that supports private schools.
This was stated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma at a function to mark the closing ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Nongkrem Government Upper Primary School today.
“We spend Rs 1,967 crore on salaries for our teachers, which includes Rs 684 crore for government school teachers, and Rs 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,” he said.
He informed that more than 4,000 private schools receive grant-in-aid from the government.
“The return on these investments is not at the level we all desire. Money is not the concern.” However he rue, “Where are we going wrong? Why are we not able to raise the standards of our schools?”
Stating that the government is working to improve learning outcomes, the Chief Minister said teachers will be trained to so they fulfil the criteria to be classified as qualified teachers.
On the challenges in the education sector, he 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.
Terming that the growth of a State rests on its human capital, the Chief Minister said the government has accorded priority towards the development of educational infrastructure, streamline teacher salaries, and promote sports and educational programmes.
Informing that the government has made significant investments in different sectors, he 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.”
During the programme, he also released the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir.
Directorate of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) Director BJ Kharshandi commended the school for maintaining a high standard of education despite its modest enrolment of 128 students and 12 teachers, including the headmaster.
He 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.
