Shillong: The Jaintia National Council Western Zone is calling on the Meghalaya state government to urgently advertise 677 vacant teaching positions. A delegation led by organization president Hamehi Bamon met with Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday to submit a memorandum regarding the staffing crisis in government Lower Primary and Upper Primary schools.
The organization pointed out that while more than 31,000 people have passed the Meghalaya Teachers Eligibility Test, many remain jobless and are approaching the state's upper age limit for employment. These vacancies are spread throughout the region, with notable shortages including 84 posts in Ampati, 80 in Tura, 75 in Baghmara, and 53 in Shillong.
Council members argued that the shortage of teachers has negatively impacted educational standards across the state. They believe that filling these roles will simultaneously boost learning outcomes and provide essential job opportunities for qualified youth.
Following the meeting, the JNC reported that Minister Rymbui promised to begin the hiring process soon. The minister indicated that the government expects to issue advertisements for the positions in the coming months. Regarding the government's response, the JNC stated, "The minister indicated that advertisements for the vacant posts are likely to be issued within the next few months." The council is now calling for a transparent recruitment process to ensure the vacancies are filled promptly.
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