“Books without classrooms”: JSU vows to intensify stir as Govt fails Class XI, XII students in Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 29, 2025

Celebration has turned into confusion for hundreds of students in Jaintia Hills who passed their Matric examinations—especially in addition with those who recently cleared the SSLC Supplementary Exam. With government schools yet to open admissions for Class XI and XII, many students are now stuck in limbo, unsure whether they will be able to continue their education.

On Wednesday, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) held a strong protest at Lad Nartiang, Ladthadlaboh, Jowai, demanding immediate action. Students, parents, and community members gathered with banners reading: “The CM Guide Book gives hope, but the lack of classes gives sadness,” and “Books in hand, but classrooms locked.”

Although the Education Department announced that Class XI classes would begin from June 2, government institutions across West Jaintia Hills are yet to admit students. This delay has hit hardest among students from poor families and—especially in addition with—those who cleared the SSLC Supplementary Exam just recently. With little time left and no alternative, their hopes of continuing to Class XI are quickly fading.

“We passed the Matric exams with hope, but now we are stuck. We cannot afford private schools—we need the government to open the doors to our future,” said a student who joined the protest.

JSU President Jersom Shylla, General Secretary Nielkee Mukhim, Vice President Ryngkat Diengdoh, and former General Secretary Treiborlang Suchen addressed the gathering. They slammed the government for ignoring students’ futures year after year.
“This problem has existed since 2013, and it still continues under the present government. They talk of enough seats, but where are the classes?” Shylla asked. “They can spend crores on festivals but cannot ensure basic education.”

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The JSU had proposed morning shift classes at Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School and evening shift classes at Kiang Nangbah Government College, but these suggestions have yet to be acted upon. A meeting with district authorities failed to bring any assurance, with JSU expressing disappointment over the Deputy Commissioner’s lack of commitment to resolve the crisis.

“This is not just a delay—it’s a denial of the right to education,” JSU leaders declared. “We will not stop. If the government doesn’t act, our protests will grow stronger across Jaintia Hills.”

As more students—including those who cleared the supplementary exam—wait anxiously, JSU has vowed to keep the fight alive. The classrooms remain closed, but the demand for justice is only getting louder.