Umphyrnai Presbyterian School concludes platinum jubilee celebration
Shillong, Dec 11: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said the government is in the final stages of a major decision to restructure the salary system for approximately 20,000 ad hoc and SSA teachers.
He said the proposed structure would provide stability, clarity on increments, and security for the future.
“It is not the government system, but it is a new system that offers stability,” he said.
He also pointed out that the government currently spends Rs 1,200 crore annually on grant-in-aid for deficit, ad hoc schools and colleges, describing it as “an investment in society.”
The Chief Minister was addressing the closing ceremony of platinum jubilee celebration (1950–2025) of Umphyrnai Presbyterian School (LP section) on the school campus at Umphyrnai in East Khasi Hills.
Ex-MLA Lambor Malngiang, church leaders, village authorities, and members of the school community were also present on the occasion.
Unveiling the Jubilee Tablet, the Chief Minister highlighted that education has remained one of the government’s foremost priorities since 2018.
He noted that numerous government LP, UP, secondary, and higher secondary schools, along with colleges, have been upgraded through various intervention programmes.
He emphasised that while progress has been made, the journey continues. “The foundation has been laid, and step by step, the infrastructure in our schools is improving,” he said.
The Chief Minister also outlined the challenges surrounding teacher qualification standards and noted that many teachers who previously did not meet national norms are now steadily moving toward fulfilling the required criteria, thanks to support and flexibility provided by the government.
He added that the State has nearly 25 associations representing different categories of teachers, resulting in a highly complex administrative structure.
He clarified that the challenges persist not due to a lack of teachers, funding, or policy gaps but because of “a highly fragmented structure” within the education system. He stressed the need to look forward and find solutions, assuring that the government would not adopt measures that harm livelihoods. “We must take decisions with empathy, and while fixing the system, we must carry everyone along,” he said.
Meanwhile, reflecting on the school’s history, the Chief Minister expressed admiration for the Principal’s long service, noting that she joined the school in 1978.
“It is truly inspiring that a student of this school is today the principal,” he said.
Drawing a parallel between the school’s Jubilee theme “Sow in tears, reap in joy” and the daily message he had read that morning on determination, the Chief Minister said no challenge is too big when one has a purpose.
Announcing support for the school’s infrastructure, he said Rs 20 lakh would be provided from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund for extension of the school building and also musical instruments for the school.
Earlier, Rev C Lamare reflected on 75-year journey of the school.
Headmistress B Kharumnuid presented the history of the institution, which began before 1950 as a Lower Primary school established by missionaries under the Umphyrnai Presbyterian Church.
She said the school was upgraded to Upper Primary level in 1995 and to Secondary level in 2005, with permission granted to run the Secondary section in 2010, followed by full affiliation under MBoSE in 2015.
She highlighted the school’s consistent record of high SSLC results, often achieving a 100% pass rate.
The school currently has 380 students and 16 teachers, with 48 students set to appear for the SSLC Examination 2026. She also announced that the school aims to introduce the Higher Secondary section as part of its Platinum Jubilee vision.
Village Headman L Kharkongor expressed hope that the institution would continue to uphold its mission with dedication.
