Shillong, September 19 : The Government of Meghalaya has taken a major step to strengthen the Right to Education (RTE) Act by launching a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and a dedicated website for the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, 2009. The initiative aims to ensure inclusive and equitable education for every child, reaffirming the state’s commitment to education for disadvantaged groups.
The landmark programme, held at Raj Bhavan, Shillong, was graced by C.H. Vijayashankar, Governor of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest. He released the SOP and inaugurated the website in the presence of children from Care Homes, underscoring a child-first approach to education reforms.
Governor Vijayashankar lauded the move as a “vital step towards inclusivity and equality,” describing it not merely as a legal compliance but a “strategic investment in social integration and the future of the state and nation.” He emphasized that while the SOP ensures clarity and uniformity, the online platform would enhance transparency and efficiency in admissions and reimbursements.
In his welcome address, Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of the Education Department, traced the constitutional evolution of the right to education—from Directive Principle (Article 45) to a Fundamental Right (Article 21-A) through the 86th Amendment.
He highlighted that Section 12(1)(c) mandates 25% reservation of entry-level seats in private, unaided, non-minority schools for children from disadvantaged groups and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The government will reimburse tuition fees based on either the actual school fees or the state’s per-child expenditure, ensuring free admission for these children.
Mantri stressed that the entire process—from school registration to student admission—will be handled via the new transparent online portal, preventing discrimination and ensuring students receive the same facilities as their peers.
The programme also featured a performance by out-of-school children from SPARK, reflecting the mission’s child-centric vision.
In his vote of thanks, Jagdish Chelani, IAS, State Project Director, SEMAM, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their efforts to realize the spirit of the RTE Act across Meghalaya.
