Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has instructed the Education Department to develop a detailed plan with specific timelines, funding needs, and monitoring systems to enhance school infrastructure, academic performance, and the state’s ranking in the Performance Grading Index (PGI). Sangma expressed concern that Meghalaya’s educational efforts are not accurately represented in current rankings.
At a high-level review meeting in Shillong, Sangma evaluated various ongoing programs related to school infrastructure, student welfare, inclusive education, and academic achievements. He highlighted that the state’s PGI ranking does not fully capture the educational initiatives in place, attributing discrepancies to reporting and monitoring deficiencies rather than a lack of initiatives.
The Chief Minister urged officials to implement a structured monitoring framework and leverage technology and data analytics to pinpoint school-specific shortcomings and enhance compliance with PGI criteria. Emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, Sangma stressed the necessity of improving access to ICT facilities, smart classrooms, science labs, libraries, and other essential amenities to create a conducive learning environment.
Sangma also underscored the significance of inclusive education, directing officials to enhance facilities for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) through measures like ramps, accessible toilets, assistive technologies, and specialized teacher training. Additionally, he reviewed initiatives concerning student welfare, including health check-ups, nutrition programs, career guidance, and cyber safety awareness, emphasizing the integration of health, nutrition, and education services to enhance student well-being and academic outcomes.
The Chief Minister concluded the meeting by reaffirming the government’s dedication to providing quality education and supportive learning atmospheres for all children in Meghalaya.
