Shillong, Oct 29: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has voiced concerns over shortage of teachers at District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Thadlaskein, alongside urgent student needs such as annual Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET) exams and the timely release of scholarships.

Regarding the concern, the JNC led by its General Secretary, Wanshwa Suting, met with the Director of the Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT) in Meghalaya, R.S. Manners, on Tuesday to discuss the issues.

The JNC raised concerns about a shortage of teachers at DIET Thadlaskein, located in West Jaintia Hills District. Currently, only 14 teachers remain at the institute after two were transferred elsewhere.

According to Suting, the vacancies have not been filled, forcing the remaining teachers to handle additional subjects and straining their capacity to manage regular programs and training effectively. The council emphasized that the shortage threatens the quality of training and education provided to teacher trainees, compromising their professional preparation.

Suting also highlighted the need for immediate repair of the institute’s sanitary facilities, which are reportedly in poor condition and at risk of collapse, particularly during severe weather. These conditions, he noted, are creating an unsafe and unhygienic environment for both students and staff.

In addition, the council advocated for conducting the MTET exams on an annual basis. Currently held once every two years, the lengthy gap causes delays for aspiring teachers who have completed their Diplomas in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or Bachelor’s in Education (B.Ed) and are awaiting certification. The delay often leads candidates to exceed the age limit, disqualifying them from eligibility for government teaching positions. The JNC argued that aligning MTET with the central government’s practice of conducting the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) twice a year would expand opportunities for candidates and reduce waiting times.

Finally, the council requested that the department expedite the release of scholarships for DIET students, asserting that this is an essential step in supporting students’ development and advancing education quality in Meghalaya.

Responding to the council’s concerns, Director R.S. Manners assured that the department is actively working on addressing the teacher vacancies at DIET Thadlaskein, with plans to advertise the positions soon. Regarding the MTET exams, she indicated that preparations are underway to make them annual by 2025. Manners also confirmed that the scholarship funds have been sanctioned and will be disbursed shortly by the government of Meghalaya.

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