SHILLONG | In an exclusive interview, Shillong MP and Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) leader, Dr. Ricky A.J. Syngkon stressed the urgent need to reform Meghalaya’s deteriorating education sector, reiterated the call for Inner Line Permit (ILP), addressed the rampant illegal coal mining and highlighted the importance of balancing border security with local livelihoods.
Education Crisis Needs Urgent Attention
Reacting to Meghalaya’s poor ranking in the recently released Performance Grading Index (PGI), where the state ranked at the bottom, Dr. Syngkon called the situation “disheartening” and said it should serve as a “wake-up call” for both the government and society.
With nearly three decades of experience as an educator, Dr. Syngkon pointed to widespread problems in the school system, crumbling infrastructure which is unfit for children, severe shortage of teachers, irregular salaries and lack of basic facilities. He shared examples from his field visits, where schools in rural areas resembled livestock sheds, and a single teacher was tasked with handling all classes from Grades 1 to 5.
He also shared accounts of a retired teacher who, due to severe staff shortages, was often forced to let students leave the classroom during school hours, with some going out to hunt or roam, while the teacher managed one class at a time and called the other students back only after completing lessons with the previous group.
“The problems start from the grassroots, our foundation is weak,” he said. “Without addressing this, any attempt to bring change at any other levels will fail.”
He also expressed reservations about the government’s proposal to merge various educational schemes. “Before bringing in such reforms, why not first improve the schools that fall under the government’s supervision?” he asked, adding that better quality government schools would help students from economically weaker families and tackle the state’s high dropout rate.
ILP: Need for a Common Voice
On the demand for ILP, revived after the recent murder of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, Dr. Syngkon said the issue has long been a part of VPP’s agenda.
“We have always supported ILP, and I have raised this both in Parliament and in discussions with other ministers,” he said. He added that unless all stakeholders in Meghalaya speak with one voice, the delay in implementing the 2019 ILP resolution in the state, passed by the Assembly is unlikely to change.
Balancing Border Fencing with Livelihoods
Speaking on the India-Bangladesh border, where Meghalaya shares 443 kilometres, Dr. Syngkon said fencing work is ongoing in some stretches but remains stalled in other areas in the War region, due to concerns over local livelihoods.
“We can’t fence the border without considering those whose livelihoods depend on land near the border,” he said. He called for a balanced approach that provides compensation to affected residents while also strengthening security, especially in light of increasing reports of illegal border crossings.
Illegal Coal Mining ‘Out of Control’
Dr. Syngkon also raised concerns over illegal coal mining in the state, an issue he said he recently brought up in Parliament. He remarked that it was unfortunate the government continued to claim that those involved in mining and coal transport were operating with valid licenses, even though that was not the reality. He also referred to observations made by Justice Katakey on the same issue.
Dr. Syngkon criticised the state government for neglecting its responsibility, stating that those in positions of power have a duty to act in the state’s best interest, but instead behave as though nothing is wrong. He warned that continued unregulated mining would not only harm Meghalaya’s environment but also its future.
VPP’s Outlook on GHADC Elections
On whether VPP would contest in the upcoming GHADC elections where the NPP has openly declared plans to fight the party, Dr. Syngkon said the party would proceed at its own pace. He said that VPP, still a young party at only four years old, would let time decide whether to contest the elections.
For now, they would focus on building steadily, led by their long-term vision and their commitment to the people of Meghalaya.
(Edited by Ibalarishisha Syiem)
