Shillong, Jun 23: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today chaired a second review meeting of the Education Department to assess ongoing initiatives aimed at improving school infrastructure, learning outcomes, student welfare and the State’s performance in the Performance Grading Index (PGI).
During the meeting, officials presented a detailed analysis of Meghalaya’s PGI indicators and outlined strategies to improve performance through better reporting, data management, compliance and targeted interventions at the school level.
The chief minister reviewed indicator-wise gaps and directed the department to prepare actionable school-specific plans to address deficiencies in infrastructure, administration and data reporting.
Officials informed the meeting that individualised communications highlighting school-specific PGI gaps had been prepared and disseminated to educational institutions across the State. Workshops and orientation programmes for principals, teachers and district officials are also being planned to improve understanding of PGI indicators and reporting requirements.
Sangma emphasised that Meghalaya’s ranking does not accurately reflect the work being carried out across the education sector and noted that many shortcomings stem from reporting and monitoring gaps rather than an absence of initiatives. He directed the department to adopt a structured monitoring mechanism and make greater use of technology and data analytics to identify specific areas requiring intervention.
He highlighted the urgent need for improved access to ICT facilities, science labs, and health amenities in schools. Furthermore, he directed officials to identify low-cost, phased interventions to uplift the educational infrastructure.
The meeting also spotlighted the need for inclusive education for children with special needs, ensuring that necessary facilities and support systems are in place. Additionally, health and nutrition initiatives aimed at students were reviewed, including plans to support adolescent girls’ health through educational programs on menstrual hygiene and access to sanitary products.
Strategies aimed at enhancing school infrastructure were also discussed like improving access to functional toilets and drinking water facilities in schools. The chief minister stressed the need for school-wise assessments to identify specific requirements, such as adequate water supply and storage solutions. Moreover, innovative approaches like rainwater harvesting and solar-powered pumping systems were discussed to tailor solutions to local conditions.
Officials further briefed the chief minister on plans to strengthen Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) and community participation in education and shared lessons from successful literacy models and outlined plans for pilot interventions that could later be expanded across the state.
A presentation was also made on MECON (Meghalaya Education Connect), which aims to improve public engagement with educational programs through relatable storytelling.
The chief minister stressed the importance of creating sustainable systems and institutional mechanisms to ensure long-term effectiveness, advising officials to implement practical approaches that can evolve as capacities strengthen.
He further directed the education department to develop a comprehensive roadmap to include clear timelines, funding requirements, and effective monitoring mechanisms to enhance school infrastructure and learning outcomes for every child in Meghalaya.
