The Meghalaya government announced significant education reforms during its third cabinet retreat at Mawkasiang, located about 9 kilometers from Shillong. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma led the discussions on Friday, focusing on practical changes to enhance student learning and opportunities.
Community-Integrated Skill Learning (CISL) Gets Cabinet Approval
The cabinet approved the introduction of Community-Integrated Skill Learning as a structured curricular component for classes VI to X. Currently, health and physical education serves as the sixth subject, but it relies heavily on textbooks and theoretical information.
Chief Minister Sangma explained the new approach. "We are integrating CISL to make this subject more meaningful and experiential," he said. "Students will identify and learn practical skills that match their interests and family or community background."
How CISL Will Work
The initiative aims to help students acquire productive skills for their future lives. It also increases the likelihood of preserving and valuing traditional family and community occupations.
Since CISL contributes significantly to academic assessment, it encourages positive engagement and collaboration between students and their families. This strengthens social bonds and enhances family participation in education.
Sangma highlighted the broader impact of CISL. He described it as an innovative step that bridges classroom learning with real-life skills. The program creates meaningful social outcomes by connecting education directly to community needs.
Private Candidates Can Now Register for SSLC Exams
The cabinet also approved a new provision to allow private candidates to register for the SSLC Examination under the Meghalaya Board of School Education. This decision targets students who could not clear the matric exam earlier or had to drop out after Class 8.
"We are streamlining the process to make it easier for anyone who wishes to complete Class 10," Sangma said. This move opens doors for many individuals seeking to finish their secondary education through flexible means.
Other Cabinet Decisions
In addition to the education reforms, the cabinet cleared the Meghalaya Border Areas Development Service (Amendment) Rules 2025. It also finalised the names of this year's Meghalaya Day awardees, recognizing contributions to the state's development.
The retreat at scenic Mawkasiang provided a conducive environment for these deliberations. The government's focus remains on creating policies that address ground-level realities and support the diverse communities of Meghalaya.
