Shillong, April 8: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has attributed the recent improvement in success rate in Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams to initiatives taken by the state government to prioritise education-related issues.
“The results speak for themselves, with only 6,000-odd students not making it out of the total number…,” Rymbuil told reporters after declaration of the SSLC results on Tuesday.
The minister, meanwhile, urged unsuccessful students to take advantage of the upcoming SSLC supplementary exams in May.
“There’s always a second chance… I wish those, who didn’t make it, to take this opportunity,” he said.
He highlighted the diverse range of schools and students who excelled, including those from rural areas.
“This speaks volumes about the efforts of schools and the government to improve education,” Rymbui said.
The minister credited the government’s initiatives, including the introduction of help books, for the improved performance.
“Since 2018, we’ve prioritised education, addressing concerns and transforming the system for the betterment of students,” he said.
Rymbui emphasised the government’s commitment to improving education, saying, “We’ll continue to address shortcomings, ensuring our students receive the best.”
‘Utilise local colleges’
Meanwhile, the Education Minister expressed disappointment over students rushing to cities for higher studies despite availability of streams near students’ residences.
“This is very discouraging for us the state government,” he said.
Rymbui urged students to utilise local colleges, citing examples such as Khraw Sing College at Mawphlang, Patharkhmah, and Nongtalang.
“We have invested money… So please make use of those institutions for your own studies,” he said.
Pointing out at investments made in education, the minister said, “Once we invest money, it is not from the pocket of Rymbui, it is from the state’s exchequer.”
He also warned neglecting local colleges may lead to concentration of resources in a few urban areas.
‘MDC should use own funds for school repairs’
The Education Minister, meanwhile, refuted allegations of bias in allocation of funds for repair of schools in certain areas.
Responding to KHADC Executive Member and Mawthadraishan MDC Powell Sohkhlet’s allegation, the minister urged the former to rather allocate funds from his MDC scheme for repairing and renovating dilapidated school buildings.
“As MDC, he too has his own scheme to repair schools. So, he should have earmarked more funds…,” he said.
“Since 2018, we have made it a priority to repair and renovate school buildings… This year, we have sanctioned funds for repair of 186 schools…,” the minister added.
Highlighting the government’s efforts, he said, “We’re trying our best, but it’s a work in progress.”
Rymbui emphasized the need for cooperation, saying, “I urge all stakeholders to join hands with the government. Instead of making allegations, let’s appreciate the government’s initiative and work together for the benefit of students.”
He credited Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s leadership, saying, “Had it not been for the chief minister, we wouldn’t have achieved this. He’s made education a top priority, and we’re seeing results.”
Idea of college autonomy behind fee hike
Rymbui, meanwhile, clarified that the government’s decision to hike government college fees is only an advisory, leaving it to the wisdom of the colleges.
“The government of Meghalaya puts the students’ welfare at the forefront. The post-matric scholarship is meant for fee reimbursement, and we’ve increased it,” Rymbui said, highlighting the government’s efforts to support students.
He was responding to a query on the recent opposition to the alleged decision to hike the government college fees in the state.
“If students and stakeholders agree, let it be. The increase will be paid after they get their scholarship. If they don’t get a scholarship, they don’t need to pay,” he said.
The Minister explained that the move aims to give autonomy to colleges, allowing them to manage their activities.
“We leave it to the managing committee, principals, students union, and teachers to decide what’s best for their colleges,” he added.
Rymbui urged stakeholders not to misunderstand the government’s advisory, saying, “This money won’t go to the government treasury. They’ll have to manage on their own.”
He highlighted the government’s investments in education, including establishment of new colleges and a state university.
“We want to give the best education, not just in Shillong, but across the state,” Rymbui said.
