Shillong, June 11: In a development aimed at reviving Meghalaya’s education system, Chairman of the State Planning Board, Metbah Lyngdoh, held a review meeting on Tuesday with Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, and several MLAs and top education department officials. The meeting focused on the proposed “Meghalaya Education Grant” and steps to address longstanding disparities in the state’s educational landscape.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Metbah Lyngdoh expressed deep concern over the current state of education in Meghalaya, pointing out that the state ranks at the bottom of the Performance Grading Index (PGI) among Indian states—with just 420 points, far behind the national top score of 1000.

“We all remember when Shillong was once called the education hub of India. That glory has faded, and we need to work together to bring it back,” said Lyngdoh. He acknowledged the efforts of the current MDA government in trying to revive the sector, adding that the new education grant model, though still in its early stages, offers a ray of hope.

A key highlight of the discussion was the glaring pay disparity among teachers. While government and deficit teachers earn upwards of ₹70,000, many SSA and ad-hoc teachers are paid a mere ₹21,000—despite teaching the same syllabus.

“It’s simply unfair,” Lyngdoh stressed. “We cannot expect quality education when over 57% of our teachers are untrained and underpaid. This isn’t just about teachers—it’s about the future of our children.”

Lyngdoh emphasized that the government is working towards a unified pay structure and a more equitable system for all teachers, regardless of their funding source. However, he acknowledged the challenges ahead, especially with schools managed by religious or community bodies who may be hesitant to hand over property and administration to the government.

“There are historical and emotional attachments to these schools. We understand that. That’s why the government is open to dialogue, offering alternative models rather than a blanket takeover,” he explained.

The Chairman noted that Meghalaya has one of the highest student and teacher populations in the Northeast, yet struggles to produce competitive results. “If we really want our students to stand shoulder to shoulder with others across the region and the country, then this overhaul is long overdue,” he added.

The meeting saw active participation from MLAs including Renikton L Thongkhar (Mawkyrwat), Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah (Mawphlang), Ollan Sing Suin (Mawsynram), Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah (Sohiong), Nujorki Sungoh (Mowkaiaw), and Pius Marwein (Ranikor), who offered inputs and suggestions.

Lyngdoh concluded with a call for unity and patience, stating, “This will be a tough exercise. But if we are sincere, transparent, and listen to every stakeholder—from the teacher in a remote village to school management committees—we can transform our education system. And when we support our teachers, we are ultimately investing in our children.”

Also, Watch:

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub