Shillong: All Primary School Teachers’ Association general secretary FC Shullai took aim at Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday. Shullai criticized Rymbui for shielding Education Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri. He questioned the minister's loyalty during an event at Krissimai Mini Stadium in Smit. The gathering marked the 177th death anniversary of Rev Thomas Jones and 184 years of Lower Primary Schools in the former United Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Shullai did not hold back. He suggested the minister might even turn on Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma if he switches parties and loses his Cabinet seat. "Today we see the Education Minister defending the Commissioner and Secretary of the Education Department, Vijay Kumar Mantri, and I understand his decision. But once he goes to another party and does not get a Cabinet berth, he may even criticise the Chief Minister," Shullai said.
The union plans a major protest on October 7 against the Structured Pay Framework. Shullai demanded the government scrap the plan and keep the current system for state and deficit teachers. He also slammed the practice of dumping administrative work on teachers via WhatsApp. He questioned the value of forcing educators into non-academic tasks like anti-drug rallies, noting that officials blame teachers for poor results while overloading them with chores.
Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh joined the event, promising to back the teachers if their cause remains just. Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit also attended after Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma failed to appear. Other attendees included Mawkynrew MDC Seiborlang Warbah and Nongkrem MDC Kitborlang Syiem.
Comments