Shillong: In a major step towards strengthening the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SEMAM) today launched a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and a dedicated website, aimed at effectively implementing Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, 2009. The launch reaffirms Meghalaya’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education for all children.
The landmark event was held at Raj Bhavan, Shillong, with Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest. The Governor formally released the SOP and inaugurated the website in the presence of children from Care Homes, symbolizing the state’s child-first approach in education reforms.
In his keynote remarks, Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, expressed his delight in launching the Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and the new state website for the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, 2009. He described the initiative as a “vital step towards inclusivity, equality, and the fulfilment of every child’s constitutional right to education“.
He mentioned the step to be more than just legal compliance, calling it a “strategic investment in inclusive growth, social integration, and the future of our state of Meghalaya and the nation“. He noted that while the SOPs provide clarity and uniformity, the new website is designed to bring “transparency and efficiency” to the process. He framed this initiative to be a “shared responsibility and a collective vision“.
He concluded by commending the Education Department and other stakeholders for taking this step forward with a call to action, urging everyone to work together to ensure “the spirit of this Act is realized in every corner of Meghalaya.”
The event began with a welcome address by Shri. Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of the Education Department, where he provided a comprehensive overview of the legal and historical context behind the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. He traced the journey of the right to education from a Directive Principle in the original Constitution (Article 45) to its establishment as a Fundamental Right (Article 21-A) through the 86th Amendment.
He stated it to be a “long-awaited intervention” that now mandates 25% reservation of entry-level seats in private, unaided, non-minority schools for children from disadvantaged groups and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
The scheme’s intended outcome is a more inclusive and equitable education system in Meghalaya. It aims to bridge the socio-economic divide by providing children with free admission to quality private schools. A key goal is social integration, with rules ensuring these students are not segregated and receive the same facilities as their peers.
He added, “The government will provide financial support by reimbursing the schools for the tuition fees of these students. The reimbursement amount will be the lesser of either the school’s actual fees or the state’s per-child expenditure in government schools. The entire process, from school and student registration to admission, will be managed through a transparent online portal.”
Adding a cultural dimension to the programme, out-of-school children from a Special Training Centre (SPARK) presented a performance, highlighting the mission’s child-centric vision.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Jagdish Chelani, IAS, State Project Director, SEMAM, Samagra Shiksha, who expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
The event was attended by senior officials, educators, and child welfare representatives, marking a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s journey to strengthen the RTE framework and expand opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dignitaries included Shri. C.H. Vijayashankar, Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri. Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Education, Shri. Jagdish Chelani, IAS, State Project Director for SEMAM, Samagra Shiksha, among others.
