SHILLONG : KHADC Executive Member and Mawthadraishan MDC Powell Sohkhlet has raised serious concerns over the shortage of teachers in government lower primary schools across Meghalaya, urging the state government to act immediately.
According to Sohkhlet, there are as many as 677 vacant teacher posts in lower primary schools, including 29 vacancies in Eastern West Khasi Hills district.
Questioning the situation, Sohkhlet said, “How can just two teachers effectively teach 120 students? Who will compensate for this shortage?” He warned that such conditions could severely affect the future of students.
He called on the government to urgently fill the vacant posts, noting that many qualified candidates have already cleared the Meghalaya Teachers Eligibility Test (MTET) and completed Dl.Ed training. “Why is there a delay in appointments?” he asked.
Highlighting the ground reality, Sohkhlet cited a case of a government lower primary school in Eastern West Khasi Hills that had only one teacher and remained closed for over three weeks after the teacher was transferred.
He also suggested rationalizing teacher deployment across schools. “Some schools have just 10 students with two teachers, while others have over 100 students with only two teachers. The education department should redistribute teachers to ensure balance and quality education,” he said.
Emphasizing the urgency, Sohkhlet added, “Our students deserve better. The government must act swiftly to resolve this issue.”