Shillong, Apr 3: Meghalaya’s official literacy rate has crossed 94 percent, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui shared on Thursday following a review meeting of the Education Department.
He stated that the state requires approximately 38,000 more functionally literate individuals to touch the 95 percent mark. Achieving this benchmark would place Meghalaya among the ranks of fully literate states in the country. At present, Mizoram remains the only state to have attained this distinction, with a literacy rate of 98.20 percent.
Rymbui explained that the focus is on improving functional literacy and numeracy – basic abilities such as reading, writing and performing simple mathematical tasks that enable individuals to manage everyday activities like communication, following instructions and handling finances.
To bridge the remaining gap, the state government is set to roll out an extensive literacy campaign starting April 24.
The minister also announced that a revised pay structure for teachers will come into effect from May 1. The process of verifying eligible teachers is currently underway and nearing completion. Discussions during the meeting further touched on the salary structure of part-time college teachers, along with the rationalisation of schools across the state.
As part of broader efforts to strengthen the education system, the government has decided to upgrade 186 lower primary schools along with several higher secondary institutions.
Additionally, the government is prioritising improved infrastructure in schools, particularly ensuring the availability of girls’ toilets and installing sanitary pad vending machines, in compliance with directives issued by the Supreme Court.
