Shillong, Sep 16: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s absence from an All Primary School Teachers’ Association (APSTA) programme at Krissimai Mini Stadium in Smit has raised questions after the association’s invitation had stated that he had consented to attend as the Chief Guest.
The programme, organised in connection with the 177th death anniversary of Rev. Thomas Jones I and the commemoration of 184 years of Lower Primary education in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, also focused on issues concerning primary school teachers.
According to the invitation cited by APSTA, Sangma was scheduled to attend as Chief Guest, while Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit was listed as Guest of Honour. Sangma, however, did not attend, and no clear public explanation for his absence was immediately available.
The absence has led to speculation over whether it was connected to political differences, particularly because Basaiawmoit was present at the programme.
However, there is currently no verified evidence establishing that the Chief Minister stayed away because Basaiawmoit was attending. Without a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office or APSTA explaining the change in programme, attributing the absence to political differences would remain speculative.
The issue is notable because APSTA has been raising concerns over matters affecting primary school teachers, including the proposed Structured Pay Framework and certain Education Department orders. The Chief Minister’s presence could potentially have provided an opportunity for teachers to directly raise such issues with the head of the government.
Basaiawmoit, who represents Nongkrem, attended the event and distributed financial assistance to teachers facing economic hardship. APSTA recently raised ₹24 lakh through voluntary contributions from teachers, with ₹1.20 lakh each being provided to selected beneficiaries.
The association has also undertaken welfare initiatives for teachers, including the construction of a house for a teacher at Mawber village.
The programme therefore combined a teachers’ welfare agenda with a commemoration of Rev. Thomas Jones I, who played a significant role in the development of written Khasi and early education in the region.
The political backdrop has nevertheless added to the speculation. Meghalaya politics has recently seen renewed discussion over differences among parties and legislators. At the same time, Sangma has publicly said that political conclusions should be based on verified facts rather than speculation. On September 15, while responding to reports of possible political realignment involving the UDP and BJP, he said he had seen no concrete information from reliable sources and that he would refrain from commenting on speculation.
