SHILLONG: Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma today chaired a high-level review meeting with the Education Department to assess Meghalaya’s performance in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) and review the wide-ranging reforms being undertaken to strengthen the State’s education ecosystem.
During a detailed presentation, officials outlined the various indicators that contribute to the PGI framework and highlighted the significant interventions already underway to improve learning outcomes, strengthen school infrastructure, expand vocational education, and enhance data management systems.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Meghalaya remains firmly committed to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that every child in the State has access to quality education.
The presentation highlighted Meghalaya’s unique educational landscape, with nearly 14,600 schools serving a population of approximately 30 lakh. The extensive network reflects the State’s longstanding commitment to ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to schooling, making Meghalaya one of the most accessible education systems in the Northeastern region.
Officials informed that the Government has undertaken a series of transformative reforms over the last few years, including investments in foundational learning, teacher welfare, school infrastructure, digital learning facilities, and student support systems.
The review noted that “Learning Outcomes,” which carries the highest weightage under the PGI framework, remains a key focus area for the Government. A range of initiatives aimed at strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, improving classroom teaching, and supporting students are being implemented across the State.
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing phased upgradation of school infrastructure. Significant efforts are being made to establish and strengthen science laboratories, ICT facilities, smart classrooms, libraries, kitchen gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, drinking water facilities, and solar-powered infrastructure in schools across Meghalaya.
Recognizing the importance of district-level ownership, the Chief Minister directed Deputy Commissioners and district administrations to work closely with the Education Department in a mission-mode approach to accelerate implementation, identify gaps, and ensure timely delivery of key interventions.
A major focus of the review was vocational and skill-based education. Officials highlighted the Community Skill Integrated Curriculum, through which students from primary to secondary levels are being introduced to practical and skill-oriented learning. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to future educational outcomes and performance indicators.
The Government is also strengthening several student welfare initiatives, including improvements in the Mid-Day Meal programme, installation of sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in girls’ schools, and other measures aimed at creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
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The Chief Minister directed the department to continue closely monitoring all performance indicators and undertake targeted interventions wherever necessary. He assured full government support to ensure that schools receive the resources and assistance required to achieve measurable improvements.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing efforts to strengthen digital governance and educational data systems. The Government has initiated steps to improve data reporting, digital compliance, Aadhaar integration, and institutional record management to ensure that educational progress across the State is accurately reflected in national assessment frameworks.
A key highlight of the presentation was the progress made under the school rationalization programme. Out of 14,582 schools in Meghalaya, 3,198 schools have already been merged or consolidated, enabling better utilization of teachers, improved resource allocation, and enhanced delivery of educational services.
Officials also presented several reforms whose impact is expected to become increasingly visible in forthcoming assessment cycles.
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.”
The Chief Minister further directed the department to adopt a strategic, scientific, and data-driven approach to continuously improve educational performance. He emphasized regular assessments, evidence-based interventions, and strong coordination between schools, districts, and the State Government.
He also stressed the importance of clear communication, effective monitoring, and timely reporting to ensure that Meghalaya’s educational achievements and ongoing reforms are fully reflected in future evaluations.
The review reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready education system that equips every child in Meghalaya with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to succeed.
An officials said that the PGI score reflects structural, administrative and data reporting challenges, while it does not reflect the talent or potential of our children, which is second to none.
