Gangtok, July 6 (IANS): Sikkim HRD Minister R.B. Subba on Monday expressed dismay over the dearth of mathematics and science teachers in schools and their failure to churn out students of quality.

Speaking at the state level consultative meeting on the New National Policy on Education, Subba also articulated his reservation on the non-detention policy in schools till Class 9.

Representatives from the National Council of Educational Research and Training and North East Regional Institute of Education as well as officials, educationists, researchers and teachers came together to take part in the meeting here.

Subba appealed to the participants to go into the issues and challenges that Sikkim faces being a mountainous state.

"This is the first instance when stakeholders at the state, district and block levels will be consulted while formulating the National Policy of Education," said the minister.

"This offers a great opportunity for all of us to articulate our ideas to make a difference to the education system of the country."