Shillong: Meghalaya Government working on a structured salary and service framework for ad hoc and SSA teachers, with a decision expected before Christmas, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Tuesday while addressing the closing ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Nartiang Presbyterian Higher Secondary School (1975–2025) at Modop.
The chief minister attended the event as the chief guest, while Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar was present as the guest of honour.
Several dignitaries, including Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council chief executive member Thombor Shiwat, school managing committee chairman Tbn. H. Khynriam and NPHSS principal I.J.R. Tongper, were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma congratulated the institution on completing 50 years and acknowledged its contribution to society, expressing gratitude to the community and individuals associated with the school’s journey.
He said education has remained a priority sector for the state government since 2018, with the annual education budget increasing from Rs. 2,000 crore to Rs. 3,500 crore, the highest allocation among all sectors.
According to him, the increased investment was beginning to yield visible transformation.
Emphasising the importance of holistic education, the chief minister said education should go beyond textbooks and degrees to focus on character building, discipline, values, patriotism, respect for elders and a sense of purpose.
He also highlighted Meghalaya’s unique education landscape, pointing out that the state has about 14,000 schools and 55,000 teachers—far higher than neighbouring states with similar or larger populations.
At the same time, he acknowledged challenges related to school rationalisation, noting that 206 schools had full teaching strength but no students, while around 2,000 schools had five to seven teachers catering to just one to five students.
He said the issue was complex as many livelihoods depended on these positions.
On reforms, Sangma said the proposed salary and service framework for ad hoc and SSA teachers would ensure job security, annual increments and post-retirement benefits.
He also announced that the government was assessing the demand for science streams across higher secondary schools to ensure students were not restricted in subject choices.
The chief minister announced a grant of Rs. 20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund for the extension of the NPHSS school building and said efforts were underway with the Centre to establish girls’ hostels to expand educational opportunities for girls across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, reflecting on the school’s journey, said the institution had overcome many challenges through collective effort and expressed hope that its students would go on to become successful professionals and leaders.
The Golden Jubilee Souvenir was released during the programme, which also featured cultural performances by students, including the school anthem and a fusion dance.
