Shillong, Sept 7: Lahkmen Rymbui, MLA of Amlarem and Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, on Thursday provided insights into the current state of education in the state, reflecting on his previous role as Education Minister.
When asked about the present education system in Meghalaya, Rymbui noted, “Education is evolving from time to time, but it is the endeavour of the government to ensure that the education system meets the demands of the present-day market.” He expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, stating, “In spite of many challenges, they try to address the core issue, how to streamline education and bring it to its best.”
Addressing concerns about decaying educational infrastructure, Rymbui emphasized the MDA Government’s focus on improving both teacher education and infrastructure. He highlighted that Chief Minister Sangma has sanctioned over Rs. 500 crore for educational development.
“Now we have seen across the state, most of the government’s LP schools have newly built buildings to improve infrastructure, as well as secondary and higher secondary schools, and even colleges,” he said. Rymbui also mentioned the intervention in the Captain Williamson Memorial College, Baghmara, noting that “due to the intervention of the government, the college now has proper infrastructure.”
Regarding the challenges of educational infrastructure and teacher shortages, Rymbui praised the establishment of the Meghalaya Education Commission. “The Meghalaya Education Commission has been set up by the government to address not only the grievances of teachers but also to chart the way forward. I hope the government will address these issues at the earliest,” he said.
Rymbui also acknowledged that the issue of dropout rates is a significant challenge. “Dropout rate is a very challenging issue in our state despite so many schools. It requires a collective effort from society, parents, and schools to make learning enjoyable so that we can retain students and reduce dropout rates,” he concluded.
