Tura, Meghalaya – On June 13, Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma spearheaded a pivotal meeting aimed at confronting the educational hurdles prevailing in Garo Hills, showcasing the government’s steadfast commitment to bolstering educational standards across the region.
Minister Sangma commenced the session by reaffirming Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s vision to position Meghalaya as a front-runner in education. He urged officials to conduct rigorous school inspections to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency.
Education advocate Sume B. Sangma, founder of a school catering to domestic workers, raised pressing concerns including the operational limitations of single-teacher schools managing multiple grades, language barriers, and delays in textbook distribution that adversely impact marginalized students.
Rev. Fr. Thomas John, Principal of St. Mary’s School, drew attention to the detrimental effects of mobile and social media addiction on student concentration. He proposed a review of examination patterns and policies such as the “Best of Five Subjects.”
Himalaya Shangpliang, Advisor to the Meghalaya State Education Commission (MeSEC), provided insights gleaned from the commission’s recent visit to Garo Hills, underscoring the critical role of community feedback and local perspectives in shaping effective educational reforms.
The consultative meeting was attended by key stakeholders including MeSEC Chairperson Prof. SM Sungoh, former UPSC chief David R. Syiemlieh, Education Secretary Ambrose Ch. Marak, school board chief CP Marak, and West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani.
The primary objective of the gathering was to compile comprehensive recommendations aimed at tackling the specific educational challenges faced by Garo Hills. The proposals discussed are poised to pave the way for substantial enhancements in the quality and accessibility of education in the region, aligning closely with the government’s broader educational reform agenda.
As Meghalaya continues its efforts to fortify the educational landscape, initiatives like these underscore a concerted push towards inclusive and effective education policies tailored to meet diverse needs across the state.