Shillong: Seven blocks in the hill state do not have a single secondary school, prompting the govt to approve a new grant-in-aid scheme for secondary and higher secondary schools.
The scheme, named CM IMPACT+, aims to support around 1,900 secondary and higher secondary schools across the state.
“We have around 9,000 primary, lower primary and upper primary schools, but there is a steep fall in the number of secondary and higher secondary schools. In fact, 7 blocks in the state do not have a single secondary school,” CM Conrad K Sangma said after chairing a cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening.
“This requires a special push from the govt to strengthen and promote secondary and higher secondary education,” he said.
Under CM IMPACT+, schools will be selected for grants based on specified criteria. The grant structure, including the quantum of lump-sum support, is being finalised.
“Importantly, these will not be sanctioned posts or salary grants for individual teachers or lecturers. The lump-sum grant will be provided to the institution, allowing the school to utilise it according to its requirements,” the CM said.
“The scheme will also be reviewed every year and will be performance-based. Schools that perform better will be incentivised and provided greater financial support,” the CM, who also holds the finance portfolio, said.
The education department is fine-tuning the scheme based on the suggestions received, following which a detailed framework will be released, Sangma said.
