Shillong, Jan 17: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Monday said the process to upgrade ad hoc schools in the state to deficit pattern is on but he cannot give a dateline as to when it will be done.

His statement comes in the wake of the ongoing protest staged by the FASTOM over the alleged failure of the government to upgrade the ad hoc schools to deficit pattern.

The Education Minister said the government is aware of the issue and working on it but it is not possible for it to fulfil the demand immediately. “The state government is alive on the issue but as I said it is not easy for the government to do it now. The process is on but I cannot assure whether it will be done as per their (teachers) wish,” Rymbui said.

When asked if the government would invite the teachers for talks, Rymbui said, “That I cannot say right now because the issue is not new, it is an old issue and everybody knows the implication of that issue but they are always welcome (to meet the government).”

He added, “I have met them time and again not only once or thrice but multiple times. Even the Chief Minister also has met them time and again but they should also know what can be done and what cannot be done. Having said that, the government is alive to the issue – and all issues within the state.”

The education minister further maintained that the government cannot take decisions overnight. “(However), we will take in due course of time to ensure whatever decision taken by the government, we are able to fulfill whatever we promised,” he stated.