Shillong, Dec 9: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said the government will finalise a structured salary system for ad hoc and SSA teachers “before Christmas,” signalling a major move on an issue that has been dragging on for years.
He made the announcement while attending the closing ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Nartiang Presbyterian Higher Secondary School (NPHSS), Modop.
The function, which drew local leaders, school authorities and community members, also saw the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, JHADC CEM Thombor Shiwat, SMC Chairman Tbn. H. Khynriam and Principal I.J.R. Tongper.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said education had remained one of the government’s top priorities since 2018. He pointed out that the state’s annual education budget had gone up from ₹2,000 crore to ₹3,500 crore. “This is the highest Meghalaya has ever had, and we are beginning to see the change on the ground,” he said.
Sangma also underlined the unique burden on the state’s education network, noting that Meghalaya has nearly 14,000 schools and about 55,000 teachers — far higher than neighbouring states with larger populations. He said the government was working through the challenges of school rationalisation, adding that 206 schools currently have no students despite having full staff strength. Another 2,000 schools, he said, have 5–7 teachers but only one to five students. “Rationalisation cannot be done overnight. Livelihoods are involved,” he said.
On academic opportunities, the Chief Minister said the government was reviewing the demand for science streams in higher secondary schools across the state to ensure students are not restricted by lack of options. He also informed that the state was in discussion with the Centre for setting up girls’ hostels in more locations.
As part of his support to the school, Sangma announced ₹20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund for extending the NPHSS building.
Deputy Chief Minister Dhar, reflecting on the school’s 50-year journey, said the institution had grown because of the commitment of the community and teachers. “The road has not been easy, but we stand here today because people worked together,” he said.
The Golden Jubilee Souvenir was released during the programme. Students performed the school anthem and a fusion dance as part of the celebrations.
