With education emerging as a key pillar of Meghalaya’s long-term development strategy, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the State’s performance in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) and evaluate the impact of a series of reforms aimed at transforming the education sector. The review focused on learning outcomes, school infrastructure, vocational education, digital governance and institutional reforms, as the Government seeks to strengthen educational delivery across urban and remote areas alike.
During the meeting, officials presented a detailed assessment of Meghalaya’s standing under the PGI framework and outlined interventions being undertaken to improve educational indicators. The review highlighted the State’s vast educational network, with nearly 14,600 schools catering to a population of around 30 lakh, reflecting Meghalaya’s efforts to ensure access to schooling even in geographically challenging regions.
Officials informed the meeting that the Government has invested significantly in foundational learning, teacher welfare, digital education, student support systems and infrastructure development. Particular emphasis has been placed on improving learning outcomes, which carry the highest weightage under the PGI framework. Programmes focused on foundational literacy and numeracy, classroom effectiveness and student support are being implemented across the State to strengthen academic performance.
The Chief Minister directed district administrations and Deputy Commissioners to work closely with the Education Department in a mission-mode approach to accelerate implementation of reforms, identify deficiencies and ensure timely execution of programmes at the grassroots level.
The review also examined progress in upgrading school infrastructure, including the establishment of science laboratories, ICT facilities, smart classrooms, libraries, kitchen gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, drinking water facilities and solar-powered infrastructure. Officials said these interventions are intended to create a more conducive learning environment and improve overall educational standards.
Vocational and skill-based education emerged as another major focus area during the meeting. Officials highlighted the Community Skill Integrated Curriculum, which introduces students from primary to secondary levels to practical and skill-oriented learning. The initiative is expected to enhance future educational outcomes while equipping students with employable skills.
The Government is simultaneously strengthening student welfare measures through improvements in the Mid-Day Meal programme, installation of sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in girls’ schools, and other initiatives designed to create a safe and inclusive learning environment.
The meeting also reviewed efforts to strengthen digital governance and educational data systems. Officials said steps are being taken to improve data reporting, Aadhaar integration, digital compliance and institutional record management so that the State’s educational progress is accurately captured in national evaluation frameworks.
A key component of the review was the school rationalisation programme. Officials informed the Chief Minister that out of 14,582 schools across Meghalaya, 3,198 schools have already been merged or consolidated, enabling more efficient deployment of teachers, better utilisation of resources and improved delivery of educational services.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said, “We are aware where Meghalaya stands, and we are equally aware of the progress we are making. Education is a long-term investment, and the reforms we have undertaken over the last few years—from strengthening support for our teachers to focusing on foundational learning and improving school infrastructure—are laying the foundation for lasting change. We have ensured that every child has access to a school; our next goal is to ensure that every school delivers the highest quality of learning. We remain fully committed to transforming educational outcomes for the children of Meghalaya.”
He further directed the department to adopt a strategic, scientific and data-driven approach to improve educational performance through regular assessments, evidence-based interventions and stronger coordination between schools, districts and the State Government. He also stressed the importance of effective monitoring, clear communication and timely reporting to ensure that Meghalaya’s achievements and reforms are adequately reflected in future assessments.
An official at the review meeting observed that the State’s PGI score largely reflects structural, administrative and data-reporting challenges rather than the capabilities of its students, stating that the ranking does not fully capture the talent and potential of Meghalaya’s children. The review concluded with a reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive and future-ready education system capable of delivering quality learning opportunities to every child across the State.
