SHILLONG, Nov 17: Cabinet Minister James Sangma has informed that there are many students in Meghalaya lacking fundamental concepts of Mathematics, which has attributed to the lacklustre presence of students in the Science stream at 10+2 level.
James was speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory function of a two-day workshop on ‘Mathematics Through Origami’ at Shillong College Conference Hall.
According to a statement, the workshop, which concluded on Wednesday, was jointly organised by the State Council of Science, Technology & Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya, and Mathematics department of Shillong College, as part of National Mathematics Day celebrations.
Reiterating that only 12 per cent of students in Meghalaya opt for Science stream after matriculations, the minister said that the lack of basic knowledge of Mathematics precipitates “a phobia towards Mathematics”.
He, however, expressed hope that the workshop will change the perception of Mathematics for many, especially because of origami.
Others who attended the programme include Mathematics Communicator from Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi, VSS Sastry, Shillong College principal, Dr. E Kharkongor, and OSD, SCSTE, AS Suting.
It may be mentioned that James last month rued that only 12 per cent students in Meghalaya were found to opt for Science stream at the +2 level and had emphasised on the need to direct health expenditure towards the primary aspects of healthcare.