Shillong : Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Friday defended the state government’s ongoing education reforms, saying the objective is to strengthen and streamline the education sector while ensuring all new college recruitments comply with University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.
Rymbui made the remarks after meeting a delegation led by Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang, which raised concerns over service conditions, salary structures and alleged attempts to bypass UGC norms in deficit grant-in-aid colleges.
“The delegation expressed concern that the government is weakening the education sector by moving away from UGC regulations. I clarified that our goal is to streamline both school and higher education to build the best education system for Meghalaya,” Rymbui said.
The minister assured that the government would carefully examine the concerns raised by teachers and other stakeholders.
“Some teachers have also approached me. We will study the issues thoroughly and take decisions that are in the best interest of the state and the education sector,” he said.
Addressing allegations that several colleges had failed to advertise vacant teaching posts, Rymbui said administrative responsibilities primarily rest with the governing bodies and management of the institutions.
“Colleges are managed by societies or governing bodies, not solely by the government. The state’s role comes into play only when there are deficiencies affecting the delivery of education,” he explained.
Rymbui reiterated that all fresh appointments in colleges strictly follow UGC recruitment norms.
“Every newly recruited teacher at the entry level fulfils UGC eligibility criteria. For tribal candidates, a postgraduate degree with at least 50 percent marks is sufficient for recruitment, and once appointed, they are entitled to all UGC benefits adopted by the state government,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to expand access to higher education, the minister said new colleges have been established across Meghalaya, while grant-in-aid has been extended to 21 People’s Colleges.
He also informed that recruitment of professors for the upcoming Meghalaya State University is currently underway.
“These initiatives are all aimed at strengthening the education system across the state,” Rymbui said.
The minister further noted that the government has introduced a revised pay structure for teachers serving in non-government institutions as part of its commitment to improving teacher welfare.
“Our intention has always been to improve education in Meghalaya. If there are delays in implementing certain decisions, it is only to ensure that policies are well considered and do not create problems in the future,” he added.
Crediting Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Rymbui said access to higher education has significantly improved with the establishment of People’s Colleges in remote areas, including Chokpot, Shangpung, Khliehriat, Nongtalang and Mawphlang.
However, he expressed concern over the low enrolment in several of these institutions.
“It is unfortunate that many students still prefer studying in Shillong despite qualified faculty being available in these colleges. If enrolment remains low, it becomes difficult for the government to justify extending grant-in-aid to more areas,” he said.
Rymbui concluded by reiterating that every newly recruited teacher in People’s Colleges meets UGC regulations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards while expanding educational opportunities across Meghalaya.