The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, will reassess the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government’s decision to upgrade 340 schools, according to Education Minister Vanlalthlana.
At a press conference, Vanlalthlana announced that the council of ministers decided on Tuesday to re-evaluate the MNF government’s decision made in September last year. This decision involved granting provisional ad hoc and lump-sum grants-in-aid to 340 schools, many of which failed to meet the necessary criteria.
The former MNF government had pledged to cover salary liabilities, including dearness and medical allowances, for 180 schools, provide provisional grants-in-aid to 52 schools, and lump-sum grants-in-aid to 108 schools before the assembly elections last year.
However, only 41 of the 180 schools met the criteria for salary liabilities, 42 of the 52 schools qualified for provisional ad hoc grants-in-aid, and 60 of the 108 schools met the requirements for lump-sum grants-in-aid.
Vanlalthlana criticized the MNF government, accusing it of making the decision for political advantage before the state elections. He stressed that the review is necessary because upgrading 340 schools without meeting the criteria would undermine the existing rules and regulations.
While the government supports upgrading schools to benefit teachers and communities, it must adhere to the law and cannot bypass established criteria, Vanlalthlana added.
Source: PTI
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