CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Meghalaya’s Education Minister, Rakkam A Sangma, on Thursday announced that the state government has initiated a rationalization exercise to address the issue of zero and low enrollment in schools. Speaking to media persons in Shillong, Sangma revealed plans to redeploy teachers from schools with no students to institutions with higher enrollment.
“More than 100 schools have zero enrollment. We have initiated deputation and shifting of teachers from these schools, and this rationalization exercise will continue,” Sangma said. He emphasized that the government is actively addressing the issue, stating, “We are definitely on the job.”
The problem is widespread in Meghalaya, with 206 schools reporting zero enrollment, including 30 Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) schools. Additionally, 2,269 schools have single-digit enrollment, including 268 SSA schools with fewer than ten students. Among deficit and adhoc schools, 18 have zero enrollment, while 1,141 have single-digit enrollment. Even government-run schools are not immune, with 11 schools reporting zero enrollment and 132 having single-digit enrollment.
The state allocates Rs 1,967 crores annually for teacher salaries, comprising Rs 917 crore for government-aided private school teachers, Rs 684 crore for government teachers, and Rs 366 crore for SSA teachers. A further Rs 218.68 crore is spent on college teacher salaries, of which Rs 179.6 crore is allocated to government-aided private colleges, mostly concentrated in Shillong.
When asked about the long-term strategy, Sangma clarified, “Closing down schools is not an option. We have to study the location and distance before making such decisions. Wherever there is zero enrolment, we are on the job.” He further added, “As of now, we are shifting all teachers from zero enrolment schools, primarily SSA and government schools, to institutions with more students. Most of these appointments are handled by the District Mission Coordinator (DMC).”
Regarding the future of schools with persistently low enrolment, Sangma noted, “If in the next two to three years, the enrolment doesn’t improve, we will have a different story.”
The Minister also addressed the role of adhoc schools, urging school principals and School Managing Committees (SMCs) to take steps to improve the ecosystem of their schools. “We have the highest number of schools and teachers. This is a matter of concern, and we urge all stakeholders to take action. We will continue to hold review meetings regularly,” he said.
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