Meghalaya educators voice concerns over infrastructure and staff shortages in Jaintia Hills region

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 12, 2024

A consultative meeting was held at the Kiang Nangbah Government College Auditorium in Jowai on September 11, chaired by State Education Commission Prof. SM Sungoh, along with advisers Prof. David Ried Syiemlieh and Tony TC Marak.

The meeting brought together principals of colleges, higher secondary schools, and headmasters from various schools across East and West Jaintia Hills District to discuss the challenges faced by educational institutions in the region.

Prof. SM Sungoh, chairing the meeting, stated that the purpose of the visit was to assess the current educational scenario in the district and gather information to help the commission make informed recommendations to the government. The discussion highlighted issues in implementing new programs, including those related to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and emphasized the need for collaboration to find solutions. Prof. Sungoh stressed the importance of holistic student development, including academic, physical, and mental growth, and urged educators to take collective responsibility in shaping students for self-sufficiency.

Educators presented several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of trained teachers, and staffing issues. Concerns were raised about the lack of proper toilet facilities and the urgent need for better teacher training and professional development to improve the quality of education. Participants also highlighted the need for coaching classes for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), noting that many students, especially those from rural or underprivileged backgrounds, lack access to quality coaching and awareness of such opportunities.

Prof. David R Syiemlieh emphasized the disparity between schools and colleges in the state capital and those in rural areas, advocating for stronger measures to improve rural education through updated syllabi, enhanced infrastructure, and adequate teaching staff. He underscored the need to address issues such as drug abuse, smoking, and sexual harassment in schools and colleges, stating that these concerns would be prioritized in future discussions by the State Education Commission.

In his concluding remarks, Tony TC Marak stated that the commission would compile the issues and suggestions raised during the meeting and submit them to the government for action. He encouraged educators to look ahead to the future of schools and colleges over the next five to ten years and to seek opportunities despite existing challenges. Marak acknowledged the problems of inadequate infrastructure and lack of resources and urged educators to focus on positive actions that can benefit both students and society.

Additional Deputy Commissioners B Blah of West Jaintia Hills District and JU Kharpuri of East Jaintia Hills also shared their perspectives during the meeting.