SHILLONG: In a significant move, Meghalaya's Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, announced that the state has chosen to embrace National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks for Classes 1 to 10 starting from the next academic year. This decision, ratified by the State cabinet, stems from concerns raised about the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) textbooks, particularly in the subjects of Mathematics, Science, and English, not meeting national standards.
Chief Minister Sangma highlighted the outcome of comprehensive research and consultations with various stakeholders in the education system, revealing that the current textbooks used by MBOSE in standardized subjects fail to align with national standards. He expressed the need for this transition to bring the state's education system in line with the learning outcomes at the national level.
Sangma emphasized that the shift to NCERT textbooks would not only improve conformity with national standards but also reduce the number of textbooks used across different classes. He provided an example, noting that while MBOSE recommends 11 textbooks for Classes 1, 2, and 3, NCERT only prescribes four.
The chief minister also addressed concerns raised by the Education Department, pointing out that the current textbooks do not align with the learning outcomes at the elementary stage. Despite the change in textbooks, the cabinet assured that the adaptation of local content, reflecting Meghalaya's culture, history, and uniqueness, will remain a priority and will not be compromised.
Simultaneously, the State cabinet decided to establish a permanent Meghalaya Education Recruitment Board to address the pressing issue of vacancies in the education sector, especially in higher and technical education, including secondary and higher secondary levels. With approximately 187 vacancies, the recruitment board aims to complete the hiring process within the next three to six months to fill these positions. This board will serve as the overarching body responsible for all education-related recruitments in the state. The decision reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the education sector and ensuring the timely filling of crucial vacancies.
This comprehensive strategy by the Meghalaya government underscores its dedication to raising educational standards, aligning with national benchmarks, and addressing critical issues in the education sector, from textbook quality to workforce recruitment.
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