Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 670/06

TEACHERS DAY CELEBRATED

The 45th Teachers Day to commemorate the birth day of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, our former President, a philosopher and an illustrious teacher was celebrated at State Central Library Auditorium, Shillong on September 5, 2006.

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Donkupar Roy was the chief guest on the occasion while Meghalaya Minister for Elementary and Mass Education, Mr. P. Tynsong graced the occasion as the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Dr. Roy recalled the hard work rendered by the teachers to guide and nurture the students to grow up with good character. Emphasizing that at present day committed teachers are required to ensure that the young generations achieve their goal, Mr. Roy also stressed on the need to improve the selection procedure of the teachers. With regard to the problem faced by the Deficit and Adhoc teachers, Deputy Chief Minister assured that the Government is examining the matter. The government has agreed that Deficit College teachers will get the same DA as Government teachers and the amount will be sanctioned soon. Government is examining to enhance the Adhoc grand of all Adhoc Schools in the State, he added. Government has formed a committee under the chairmanship of Secretary Education to look into the Social Safety Benefit to teachers. Later, he assured that government is taking step to release the salary of teachers in time.

Stressing on the importance of quality education, Mr. Tynsong in his speech as the guest of honour said that high drop out rate: unplanned opening of schools and lack of high-quality trained teachers are the things which hamper quality education. He also said that Government is taking corrective measures like implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) which aims at providing quality education to children of age group 6 to 14 years. With an aim to retain and improve the daily attendance of children in schools, Government is implementing mid-day meal scheme under which cooked meals are being provided to school children. Mr. Tynsong said that Government is taking step to improve infrastructure in schools like sanitation and drinking water. To deal with the backlog of teachers at the elementary level DIET has been set up in each District besides Basic Training Centres and Normal Training Centres. Stating that the State has achieved an increase of 27.9 p.c. literacy rate (from 49.10 p.c. in 1991 to 63.31 p.c in 2001) during the last ten years, he urged upon the teachers and the people of the State to work hard to make Meghalaya achieve 100 p.c literacy rate.

Later, Deputy Chief Minister handed over the awards to the recipients of State and District Awards. The recipients of State Awards were Mr. G. Lyngdoh, Headmaster, Mawdon Mawprem U. P. School, Mr. O. R. Nongrum, Head Teacher, Nohron Govt. L.P.School, Mrs. Lukhimai Ranee, Assistant Teacher, Ri-Bhoi Pres. Sec. School, Nongpoh, Mr. Resparly Imiong, Headmaster, Pariong Govt. U.P.School, Mrs. Tona Lakiang, Assistant Teacher, Marian Hill Sec. School, Jowai, Mr. Santosh Kr. Sen, Principal, Rongrenggiri Govt. Higher Sec. School, Mrs. Leelabothy Sangma, Assistant Teacher, Wagesik Govt. L.P. School, Baghmara, Mrs. Icylian. R. Marak, Principal, Christian Girls Higher Sec. School and Mrs. Minre. G. Momin, Head Teacher, Dalu Dapgre Govt. L.P. School.

The occasion was chaired by Commissioner & Secretary Education Department, Mrs. R. V. Suchiang. Mr. D. P. Wahlang, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department gave the welcome address while Mrs. A. M. Sangma, director Elementary & Mass Education delivered the vote of thanks.

The other highlights of the day were songs songs and dances presented by students of different schools of the District.