By The Editor
It us now nearly three years since NEP (National Education Policy), 2020 was introduced and yet till date Meghalaya has not been able to fully implement it which is really a matter of great concern for all, especially students. Seminars and workshops, which were supposed to be held during these last years, were very few and so causing confusion not only among student communities but even many teachers and some relevant government machineries do not have clear and well – defined vision. Admittedly, about two years (2020-2021) were lost due to Covid-19 pandemic which affected not only our state but worldwide and which however cannot be an excuse because preparations should have been started in full swing. According to official data prepared by the Project Approval Board (PAB), Ministry of Education the dropout rate at secondary level in 2021-2022 was the highest in seven states namely Meghalaya at 21.7 per cent followed by Bihar (20.46 per cent), Assam (20.3 per cent), Gujarat (17.85 per cent), Punjab (17.2 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (16.7 per cent) and Karnataka (14.6 per cent) against the national average of 12.6 per cent.
There is an urgent need for the state to introspect about the education scenario and to immediately introduce remedial measures. Educational institutions should be regularly inspected and reports to be submitted so that government can study and introduce necessary guidelines and instructions. Most of the secondary and higher secondary level schools are located in urban areas creating inconvenience for students in rural areas. Himalaya Shangpliang, adviser to the state Education department, has expressed concern over the high dropout rate. He urged the teaching community to be responsible persons while admitting that many sublet their jobs to other individuals to teach students while they themselves take up other activities.
On June 21 Education minister Rakkam Sangma had discussion with principals of secondary and higher secondary schools of Garo Hills seeking solution for improvement of education in the region and to bring down dropout rates. As per the information provided by respective District School Education Officers and principals with respect to zero pass percentage there are three schools in West Garo Hills, eight in East Garo Hills, three in North Garo Hills and five in South Garo Hills. Principals have given various reasons for the sad situation in their schools. Director School Education and Literacy, Shillong Swapnil Tembe has suggested that remedial classes will be given to those who do not do well in pre-board examinations. Unlike in other states, practice of selection test in board examinations and being replaced by introduction of pre-board examination has been scrapped which therefore make students take it easy. Hence this issue ought to be reconsidered and so re-introduced so that students will take the matter seriously.