Sohra, December 20 : The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Sohra, on Friday commemorated its 25th anniversary under the theme “Enriching Minds; Transforming Lives”, marking a quarter-century of work in strengthening teacher education and elementary education in Meghalaya.
The silver jubilee programme was attended by Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui as Chief Guest. Also present were Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem, Sohra MLA Gavin M. Mylliem, R. Rapthap, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Education Department, M. A. Challam, MCS, in-charge Sohra Civil Sub-Division, P. B. Lartang, Joint Director, DERT, principals of DIETs across the State, faculty members, alumni and students.
In his keynote address, Rymbui said the teaching profession is dynamic and requires continuous learning. He noted that since 2012, the State government has encouraged youth to take up teaching through stipends and institutional support.
Referring to a Supreme Court judgment, the Minister reiterated that the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is compulsory, including for teachers with 25–30 years of service, stressing that teaching demands ongoing professional upgradation.
Highlighting the role of DIETs in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP), Rymbui said that by 2030–34, all teachers must hold a four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) qualification. He described DIETs as relevant multidisciplinary institutions aligned with national reforms.
The Minister also drew attention to disparities in pay and service benefits among teachers in some government-aided colleges, saying differences persist despite similar qualifications and experience. He assured that the government is aware of the issue and working towards systemic reforms, while underlining the importance of quality teaching, commitment and accountability.
Rymbui spoke on school rationalisation to ensure a minimum of five teachers per institution, and announced that 2,800 teaching posts will be filled through a competitive process conducted by NEST. He urged aspiring teachers to remain dedicated and competitive, adding that hard work has no substitute.
He also informed that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Meghalaya Teachers’ Training Academy, emphasising the need for continuous skill upgrades. On Artificial Intelligence, he said AI literacy will be promoted to keep teachers and students future-ready, while asserting that AI will not replace human thinking.
Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem said nation-building begins with quality teachers and that DIETs play a crucial role in shaping future generations.
Sohra MLA Gavin M. Mylliem said the core objective of DIET is to strengthen elementary education through effective teacher training, recalling contributions of past faculty, students and staff. Mylliem also noted that DIET Sohra was selected as a Centre of Excellence in 2023 by the Ministry of Education. He said the MDA government has prioritised education, allocating nearly 15% of the State budget, amounting to ₹3,500 crore, to the sector, and called for collective support to address challenges in education.
Earlier, DIET Sohra Principal A. M. Sohliya presented the institution’s history, tracing its establishment in 2000, and highlighting academic contributions and community outreach activities.
As part of the celebrations, a 25th Anniversary Souvenir was released, teachers and faculty who served the institution over the years were felicitated, and cultural programmes were presented by students and alumni. The programme concluded with the cutting of the anniversary cake and unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
