Teachers across Meghalaya who have spent years in classrooms without clearing the Teacher Eligibility Test will now get an extra year to do so, after the state government moved the compliance deadline from 2027 to 2028.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui made the announcement at a Teachers' Day function, the 65th edition of the event, held at Jowai's District Library Auditorium in Mynthong. West Jaintia Hills' District School Education Officer's office had organised the programme.
Extra Time to Meet an Old Requirement
Rymbui said the government had taken note of the anxiety among serving teachers, especially those who have been teaching for many years and still need to fulfil the TET condition. Pushing the deadline out by a year, he said, gives this group breathing room to sit for and pass the exam without the immediate threat of falling foul of the rule. He used the same platform to congratulate teachers who have already cleared the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test, known as MTET, holding them up as an example for colleagues yet to attempt it.
A Call to Rethink What Teaching Means
The minister argued that the job of a teacher has changed shape as the education system itself has evolved, and that educators need to keep learning and adapting to keep pace with what students now need from them. He asked teachers to act as a source of hope, inspiration and encouragement for children, particularly by helping them cope with peer pressure and build genuine self-confidence. In his view, schooling should not begin and end with marks, certificates and textbooks; it should also nurture students' skills, their competitive edge and their individual potential. Rymbui repeated the government's promise to keep addressing teachers' grievances and asked everyone connected to the school system to work together so students leave with the knowledge, skills and confidence to handle whatever comes next.
Recognising the Year's Best
Rymbui also congratulated the teachers who received state and district-level honours during the programme. Two educators received the District Awards this year: Phrangki Pran, who teaches as Assistant Teacher at Thangrain Lower Primary School, and Kissme Sungoh, who holds the same post at Nartiang Presbyterian Upper Primary School. Separately, Lamisakani Dkhar of Lissi Pearl Secondary School in Mukhla was given the Best Guide Captain Award in recognition of her work with the Scouts and Guides movement.
Officials and Students Add Their Voice
Kyntu Shullai, who serves as Assistant Commissioner and Block Development Officer of Laskein C&RD Block, also spoke at the event, praising teachers for shaping future generations. He said their contribution goes beyond academics to include instilling values, empathy, integrity and character in students. Shullai asked students to honour their teachers by actually putting into practice the knowledge and values they have been taught, and by growing into responsible, capable citizens. He also pressed for sustained backing to schools and colleges, and joint efforts to build up education throughout West Jaintia Hills.
Songs, Dances and a Formal Send-off
The Teachers' Day event doubled as a tribute to educators, with students and teachers presenting songs, dances and recitations in their honour. Education officials, teachers and students from across the district attended the programme. Dr Wa I Sa Sumer, the District School Education Officer, delivered the welcome address, and W. Nonghuloo, the SDSEO of Amlarem, proposed the vote of thanks.
