Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday, 3 June chaired a high-level review with the state Education Department in Shillong to assess Meghalaya's performance in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) and lay out a road map for accelerating education reforms. The review covered learning outcomes, school infrastructure, vocational training and digital governance across nearly 14,600 schools serving a population of around 30 lakh.

Key focus on learning outcomes

The meeting centred on 'Learning Outcomes', the indicator carrying the highest weightage in the PGI framework. Officials briefed the Chief Minister on interventions to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, raise classroom teaching standards and roll out targeted support for students lagging behind.

Sangma reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring access to quality education for every child in the state, particularly in remote and rural areas where Meghalaya's school network is most extensive.

School rationalisation progress

A key highlight was the school rationalisation programme. Officials informed the meeting that out of 14,582 schools in Meghalaya, 3,198 schools have already been merged or consolidated to improve teacher deployment, resource allocation and service delivery.

The phased infrastructure upgrade covers science laboratories, ICT facilities, smart classrooms, libraries, kitchen gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, drinking water and solar-powered infrastructure.

District-level accountability push

Sangma directed Deputy Commissioners and district administrations to work in a mission-mode approach with the Education Department to close implementation gaps. He stressed continuous monitoring of performance indicators and assured full government support for schools targeting measurable improvements.

Vocational learning is being expanded through the Community Skill Integrated Curriculum, which introduces students from primary to secondary levels to practical, skill-oriented modules. Student welfare measures reviewed included the Mid-Day Meal programme and the installation of sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in girls' schools.

What 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 are laying the foundation for lasting change,” Sangma said. He added that with access largely secured, the next priority is quality learning outcomes in every institution.

An official present at the meeting said Meghalaya's PGI score largely reflects “structural, administrative and data reporting challenges” and does not represent “the talent or potential of our children, which is second to none.”

Data systems and what's next

The review also examined steps to strengthen digital governance, including improved data reporting, digital compliance, Aadhaar integration and institutional record management — all aimed at ensuring accurate representation of Meghalaya's progress in national assessments. Sangma called for a strategic, scientific and data-driven approach, with regular assessments and stronger coordination between schools, districts and the state government.