SHILLONG, AUG 27: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Thursday came down heavily on critics questioning the jump in SSLC pass percentage from 50% to 96% under the CM IMPACT initiative.
Replying to a short duration discussion moved by the UDP MLA from West Shillong, Rymbui said the government should not be faulted for helping students pass.
“Why do you feel sad when students pass? What grudge do you have against them? Do you want them to fail?” Rymbui asked.
He argued that while urban students can afford tuition, poor and rural students need state support.
“Every bookstall sells help books published by private companies. Don’t Meghalaya’s students have the right to support? If they fail one year, they drop out. Should we be happy if dropout increases? Now dropout has come down to 6.2% and everybody feels sorry,” he said.
The minister said improving results puts a financial burden on the government as it has to upgrade secondary schools and open higher secondary schools and colleges.
“Government will live up to its commitment to give the best education and accessibility. Nineteen People’s Colleges have been sanctioned from the state exchequer,” he said.
Urging members to give constructive suggestions instead of criticizing, he said, “Give me suggestions on how to improve CM IMPACT, I will do it for the benefit of our students. Let us not have a divisive mindset of haves and have-nots.”
He added, “I am thankful to the Chief Minister that 19 People’s Colleges have been sanctioned from the government exchequer for the youth to get education.”
