Shillong, June, 01: The State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SEMAM), Samagra Shiksha, in collaboration with Indus Action, organized a sensitization and training programme for stakeholders for all 12 districts of the state.
The programme focused on the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and was held at the DERT Annexe, Shillong, from 27th to 30th May 2025.
The inaugural session was graced by several dignitaries, including Swapnil Tembe, IAS, Secretary, Education Department, Government of Meghalaya and State Project Director, SEMAM, Samagra Shiksha; Banteilang J. Kharshandi, MCS, Director of School Education and Literacy and Deputy State Project Director, SEMAM, Samagra Shiksha; Dr. Andrew Warjri, Officer on Special Duty, Samagra Shiksha.
The participants of four days programme include officials from different Education Department, such as District School Education Officer, Sub-Divisional School Education Officer, District Mission Coordinator, Block Mission Coordinator, State, District and Block MIS Coordinators, with a team of Resource Persons from Indus Action.
Swapnil Tembe, IAS on his keynote address informed that as per the provisions contained in Section 12(1)(c) of the Act, it mandates the schools coming from private unaided schools (non-minority) shall admit the children belonging to the weaker section and disadvantaged groups of the society in Class- I to the extent at least 25% of the strength of that class, children belonging to weaker section and disadvantaged group (including ST, SC, children suffering from HIV, orphan etc.) in the neighbourhood and provide free and compulsory elementary education till its completion as per the provision made under Section -12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
In light of this, he stated that all private unaided-recognised schools in the state to reserve a minimum of 25% of their seats starting at the entry level of class 1 onwards for EWS and DG children. He also emphasised that studying together in a school will bring inclusivity, ending stigma and discrimination towards the poor section of society, and strengthening the bond between the children.
B. Kharchandi, MCS highlighted that through the implementation of this section, it will help many poor families and children across the state to get an opportunity for their schooling with free and compulsory education. This provision ensures that children from these groups have access to quality education without facing fee barriers. He further urged all the stakeholders, including the District Education Department, Private schools, parents, guardians and communities to come forward and work in a collaborative approach while implementing RTE 12 (1)(c).
This program aimed to raise awareness, train all the officials, and build capacity among stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of RTE, Section 12(1)(c). To strengthen the system, a web portal called RTE Meghalaya Portal has been established to centralise all applications and the registration process. This process will ease students’ applications, schools registration, and department operation and monitoring process. This portal will cater to the responsibility of all stakeholders by simplifying the application and registration process, streamlining administrative tasks, providing efficient grievance redressal mechanisms, transparency and accountability.
