Shillong: The Meghalaya government is taking proactive steps to address an anticipated surge in Class 11 admissions following a record-breaking 87.10% pass rate in the recent SSLC Class 10 results.
With 55,473 students qualifying and only 51,000 seats available in higher secondary schools, the Education Department is exploring multiple solutions to bridge the gap.
Director of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), Banteilang J Kharshandi, outlined key measures following a review meeting with District School Education Officers (DSEOs).
These include upgrading four government secondary schools to higher secondary level and introducing new academic streams in existing institutions based on demand.
“DSEOs have been directed to distribute admission forms and gather data on students’ stream preferences. If there’s sufficient demand, such as 30 to 40 students for a particular stream like Science, the proposal will be forwarded to the cabinet for approval,” said Kharshandi.
However, opening streams with less than 10 students may not be feasible due to resource constraints.
The department is also considering adding new shifts in existing institutions to accommodate more students.
For instance, a morning shift at Baghmara Government Higher Secondary School and Captain Williamson Sangma Memorial College is under review, with an expected enrollment of 350 students.
The DSEO has been tasked with submitting a formal proposal for cabinet approval.
To expedite the process, all proposals for new streams and shifts are expected to be finalised by the DSEOs by tomorrow.
“The government will decide on closing admissions and finalising the academic session start date, tentatively set for June 1,” Kharshandi stated, noting that the timeline is subject to cabinet approval.
ALSO READ: Tripura’s Gomati district, Ganganagar block honoured with PM Excellence Award 2024
Addressing concerns about accommodating the influx, Kharshandi expressed confidence in the combined capacity of government and private institutions.
He emphasised that upgrades and collaborations should suffice to accommodate students, including those awaiting CBSE and ICSE results.
To address the immediate need for additional educators, temporary teacher appointments will be made, while regular recruitment will follow through the Meghalaya Education Recruitment Board after cabinet clearance.
