SHILLONG, APR 7: Powell Sohkhlet, Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and MDC from Mawthadraishan, has raised serious concerns over the shortage of teachers in government lower primary schools across Meghalaya, urging the state government to take immediate action.

Sohkhlet highlighted that there are as many as 677 vacant teacher posts in lower primary schools, including 29 in Eastern West Khasi Hills district, a situation he said is severely affecting the quality of education.

“Who will compensate for this shortage? How can two teachers effectively teach 120 students?” he questioned, pointing to the strain on both teachers and students.

Calling for urgent recruitment, he noted that many candidates have already cleared the Meghalaya Teachers Eligibility Test (MTET) and completed Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), yet appointments remain pending.

“Many have cleared the Meghalaya Teachers Eligibility Test and D.El.Ed. Why the delay in appointment?” he asked.

The KHADC leader also cited a case from Eastern West Khasi Hills where a government lower primary school with only one teacher had to remain shut for over three weeks following the teacher’s transfer, underscoring the gravity of the issue.

In addition to filling vacancies, Sohkhlet proposed rationalisation of teacher deployment to address disparities in staffing across schools.

“There are schools with 10 students and two teachers, while others have over 100 students and only two teachers. The education department should merge teachers from schools with low enrolment to those with high enrolment, ensuring quality education for all,” he suggested.

Emphasising the long-term impact on students, Sohkhlet said, “Our students deserve better. I urge the government to act swiftly to address this issue.”