SHILLONG: In a landmark shift for the state’s education sector, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday asserted that the primary goal of his government’s recent policy reforms is to ensure that no student’s dreams are cut short due to failure at the Class 10 level.
Speaking at a special celebratory event held at the CM’s residence in Polo Hills today, the Chief Minister highlighted that Class 10 serves as a crucial turning point in a student’s life, where aspirations begin to take shape. He cautioned that failure at this stage can often lead to emotional distress and a lasting loss of confidence among young learners.
Sangma maintained that while policy changes may attract criticism, it is important to adopt a compassionate approach to education. He stressed that Class 10 should act as a supportive bridge in a student’s academic journey rather than a rigid endpoint, unlike high-stakes competitive examinations.
This approach has already begun to show results, with Meghalaya recording a historic 86% pass rate in the SSLC examinations—a sharp rise from nearly 50% in previous years. The Chief Minister described the achievement as a reflection of sustained reforms and collective efforts within the education sector.
To further support students, the government has introduced a second-chance opportunity for those who could not clear the examination on their first attempt, ensuring that setbacks do not become permanent barriers to success.
Adding a personal touch to governance, Sangma has also initiated an interaction programme where high-achieving students are invited for breakfast at his official residence. He described the initiative as a way to directly motivate and connect with young achievers, and confirmed that it will be made an annual tradition. While students from the Khasi-Jaintia region were felicitated in Shillong, a similar programme is scheduled for April 18 for students from the Garo Hills and western regions.
The reform push also extends to teachers, with the Chief Minister announcing that the long-pending restructuring of pay scales for SSA and Ad-hoc teachers has now been implemented. Under the revised structure, SSA teachers are set to receive enhanced salaries starting May 1—a move expected to boost morale and improve the overall quality of education.
Acknowledging that education reforms take time to yield results, Sangma described the sector as complex but expressed confidence that these combined initiatives will help build a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready education system in Meghalaya.
