SHILLONG, SEPT 11: Defending Commissioner & Secretary Education Vijay Kumar Mantri against VPP’s demand for removal, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Friday said government needs good officers and Mantri is one of them.

Rymbui said VPP allegation that Mantri does not listen to teachers holds no merit.

“I must say Vijay Mantri is one of the most hard-working officers and by far the most accessible to any individual or group. He passionately listens and has ability to understand and solve issue. Whether he can settle every issue immediately is different matter altogether,” Rymbui said.

He said role of Mantri was crucial in new pay structure for adhoc teachers.

“When teachers were on hunger strike in Malki, twice he went as representative of government to tell them we are coming up with new pay structure. The demand was enhancement of salary and social security. Under Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, we worked on it and he met different organisations leading to government’s decision,” he said.

“To say Commissioner & Secretary doesn’t listen to grievances of teachers is completely wrong. In spite of challenges, he convinced government to take tough step,” he added.

Rymbui said reform ended three-decade disparity.

“Earlier, in adhoc section, one working for 30 years and one just joined were same. Now new framework gives security and recognition,” he said.

“Chief Minister was honoured by teachers in Shillong, Tura, Williamnagar. That shows government is trying to solve issue,” Rymbui said.

In a sharp retort to VPP, Rymbui said, “If anybody can identify officer more efficient than Vijay Mantri, kindly identify. Let us not demoralise officers who are trying to work for system.”

He said department has two Commissioner & Secretaries and both are performing well.

“No one is perfect, I am also not perfect, but we are trying to fulfil responsibility as per duties entrusted to us,” he said.