Mizoram Government Unveils Comprehensive Education Overhaul
The Mizoram government has announced a series of significant reforms aimed at transforming the state's education system. These changes include a shift in the academic calendar, modifications to board exam result declarations, and new initiatives to promote language proficiency among students.
Reverting to January-December Academic Calendar
In a major decision, Mizoram will revert to the January–December academic calendar for the Mizoram Board of School Education (MBSE) starting from the 2027–28 session. This move marks a departure from the current April–March cycle, which was adopted over five years ago to align with the national academic calendar. Education Minister Vanlalthlana explained that the decision was made after thorough consultations, considering the state's unique climate, geography, and lifestyle.
Consultation Process Reveals Strong Preference
The minister disclosed that opinions were gathered from 231 organizations, including teachers and parents. The results showed that 92.2% favored the January-December cycle, while 6.5% preferred to continue with the existing calendar, and 1.3% supported a separate calendar for the elementary section.
Revised Calendar Details
The new calendar will apply to primary and high school students. However, classes 11 and 12 will remain under the April–March schedule, with Class 10 board exams still conducted in February–March. Additionally, the government is considering introducing school vacations during the rainy season to protect students from hazards like landslides and rockfalls common during the monsoon.
Discontinuation of Common School Uniforms
Another change involves the discontinuation of common MBSE school uniforms across government schools, a practice introduced under the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) administration. This will take effect from the next academic session. Vanlalthlana clarified that the move is not politically motivated but stems from requests by schools and teachers' organizations highlighting several issues. School uniforms will now be at the discretion of individual schools.
MBSE Results Without Distinction, Division, or Ranks
In a significant shift to enhance education quality, the MBSE will no longer award distinctions, divisions, or ranks in the results of Classes 10 and 12. Education Minister Vanlalthlana announced this on Tuesday, stating the aim is to discourage unhealthy competition and ensure learning is not reduced to chasing higher percentages.
Focus on Competency-Based Education
MBSE chairman J. H. Zoremthanga, present at the press conference, elaborated that this policy change is designed to move away from rote learning and promote competency-based education. He noted that many students in Mizoram struggle with national-level competitive exams due to the prevailing "learn-by-heart" system, which limits their understanding of subjects.
Introducing Hindi-Speaking Day in Schools
To promote proficiency in Hindi, the Mizoram government has announced that all schools will observe a dedicated Hindi-speaking day once a month. School Education Minister Vanlalthlana stated that this initiative will be implemented under the supervision of the state's education department. On the designated day, both students and teachers will be encouraged to converse in Hindi.
Language Promotion Initiatives
Vanlalthlana emphasized the importance of spoken Hindi, adding that the government will notify Hindi-speaking days for all schools, with Hindi used during school recesses once a month. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) will prepare spoken Hindi books. Furthermore, the government will introduce a home language day in all English medium schools to promote and preserve local languages, allowing students to speak in their mother tongues during school recesses once a week.
Mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) Qualification
Vanlalthlana also announced that the government will ensure all teachers employed under the state government, excluding those with less than five years until retirement, clear the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) within two years from the issuance of the order. This step aligns with a Supreme Court ruling aimed at enhancing teaching standards.
These reforms reflect the Mizoram government's commitment to improving the education system by addressing local needs and promoting holistic learning. The changes are expected to have a lasting impact on students' academic experiences and overall development in the state.
