The Meghalaya government is not considering setting up new government colleges in every district, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui informed the Assembly on February 18. Replying to a query from MLA Miani D Shira, the minister gave a straightforward “No, Sir,” making the government’s position clear.
This comes at a time when 677 teaching posts remain vacant in government lower primary schools across the state. No recruitment process has been started yet. According to the minister, fresh appointments will be taken up only after a “rationalisation exercise” is completed to ensure better use of the existing staff and resources.
The figures highlight the strain on the primary education system. South West Garo Hills has the highest number of vacancies at 84, followed by 80 in the Tura subdivision of West Garo Hills and 71 in North Garo Hills. Even Shillong subdivision, which includes the state capital, has 53 unfilled posts.
Responding to another question related to physical education, the minister said there are no sanctioned posts for physical education inspectors or trainers in any government or aided school in Meghalaya. However, he noted that there are 1,800 assistant professor posts across government and aided colleges in the state.