Shillong, Nov 12: Allaying apprehensions of thousands of SSA teachers working in the state, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has assured that the state government will sustain the scheme even if the Centre discontinues it.
“Everything will be looked into… the Government of Meghalaya will see that this scheme continues in one form or another,” Rymbui told reporters on Wednesday.
Asked about availability of funds, he said, “We have not come to a conclusion as to how much fund is required. We are working on it and hope to arrive at a figure in the next few days.”
Highlighting fiscal challenges, the minister said, “The quantum of teachers is very high… we will sit with the Finance department to conclude how much the government can bear, keeping in mind other obligations like medicines in hospitals and road infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, he maintained that the government’s “first and foremost” priority remains rationalisation of schools across the state.
“Our goal is to rationalise the schools — ensuring they have the required number of teachers, adequate students, and proper infrastructure,” he said.
Expressing hope for better days ahead, he said, “I hope we reach a point where all schools in Meghalaya have the necessary teachers, paving the way for transformative changes.”
