Editor,
The decision to rationalise over 600 government and SSA schools in Meghalaya is a much needed and commendable step in the right direction. With a population of 30 lakh (2011 Census), the state currently operates an unwieldy network of 14,582 schools staffed by around 55,000 teachers. This is disproportionately large compared to other states: Manipur has only 4,617 schools for a population of 25,70,390; Tripura has 4,929 schools for 36,73,917 people; and even Himachal Pradesh – with a far more challenging topography than Meghalaya – operates 17,826 schools for a population of 68.64 lakh.
This bloated system has led to a situation where Rs 2,400 crore is spent annually on teacher salaries, leaving little room for investment in crucial areas such as infrastructure, classroom resources and quality education programmes. Rationalising schools by merging those that exist side-by-side and redeploying teachers where they are truly needed is a pragmatic way to optimise resources, reduce unnecessary salary burdens and improve the overall efficiency of the education system.
Furthermore, the move to involve private and deficit schools in this process reflects a holistic approach that recognises the interdependence of public and private educational institutions in Meghalaya. This will not only ensure a better utilisation of existing human resources but also pave the way for improving school infrastructure, which is vital given the state’s weather patterns and current challenges with building maintenance.
Rationalisation is not merely a cost-cutting exercise; it is about streamlining the system to ensure that every child in Meghalaya has access to quality education in a safe and well-maintained environment. By freeing up funds through rationalisation, the government will be better placed to invest in infrastructure, modern teaching aids, and training programmes for teachers, thereby enhancing the overall standard of education in the state.
Ranjit Bose
Bivar Road, Shillong
