TMC leader Richard Marak has said that the MDA government’s misguided attempt to introduce guidebooks for SSLC exams in Meghalaya serves as a stark reminder that education is being treated as a destination rather than a journey.
“By prioritizing pass percentages over critical thinking skills, we are essentially giving a man a fish instead of teaching him to fish. This short-sighted approach will result in a generation of students who are spoon-fed information but lack the essential skills to succeed,” Marak said criticising the introduction of CM IMPACT guidebooks by the State government under the initiative of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
Marak stated that to reform education, meaningful changes have to be made like investing in teacher development programs that focus on fostering critical thinking and creativity, rather than mere exam preparation. He said the government could reduce the reliance on rote learning by incorporating more interactive and practical experiences in the classroom and enhancing student support through personalized learning, mentorship, and government-sponsored coaching and guidance classes for those who need it.
“Instead of relying on guidebooks as a quick fix, we should aim to equip students with the tools necessary for lifelong success. It’s time to return to the basics and realize that knowledge is only powerful when applied with wisdom and ingenuity,” the TMC leader said.
The government’s overemphasis on guidebooks and standardized testing is a recipe for disaster, undermining the core of education, he said, adding, “We must strike a balance between structure and creativity, prioritizing meaningful learning over mere exam-passing. Our children deserve an education that prepares them for the future, not just a certificate that confirms their existence.”
