Editor,
In today’s digital era, it is expected that educational institutions and government offices not only improve their infrastructure but also adopt and integrate technology into their operations. This integration is essential for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. As we move into the age of Artificial Intelligence—often referred to as the ‘Fifth Generation’—innovation and digital solutions are becoming the driving force of progress.
Looking at the state of digital infrastructure in Meghalaya, the data speaks volumes. According to the Indian School of Business (ISB), as of the 2021–22 academic year, only 16.5% of the approximately 14,600 schools in Meghalaya were equipped with internet facilities. Even more concerning, just 1.8% had functional computer systems. These figures highlight a significant gap that needs to be bridged.
Encouragingly, recent initiatives have aimed to address this. As reported by NeNews.in and The Shillong Times in 2024, the Meghalaya government announced the roll-out of 5,000 smart classrooms to enhance educational delivery. Beginning with the 2024 academic session, students from Classes 9 to 12 under the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) started using QR codes in textbooks, allowing access to digital resources. Despite 94.5% of households in Meghalaya owning smartphones, only 53.6% of children were able to use them effectively for basic digital tasks such as setting alarms or searching for videos online.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the National Law University of Meghalaya (NLU Meghalaya), as well as other institutions, to gather feedback from current students regarding admissions and the overall learning experience. While I was also in the process of applying through CUET and exploring other institutions, I was particularly curious about NLU Meghalaya. Since it was established only in 2022 by the Government of Meghalaya, I had my doubts about the quality of education—especially considering the challenges faced by many new universities in staying up to date.
Moreover, given that most National Law Universities (NLUs) admit students through CLAT, which is conducted offline, I expected the admissions process to be more traditional and perhaps complicated. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The entrance examination conducted directly by NLU Meghalaya was on an online, smooth, and incredibly well-organized system. Many people assume that online exams tend to be chaotic due to technical issues unlike CUET Exams with less number of test centres, but that was not the case here. The experience was efficient and comfortable.
What impressed me even more was learning that the adoption of technology at NLU Meghalaya goes beyond the entrance test. The entire learning process, including trimester exams, is conducted online—offering students a flexible, modern, and tech-integrated academic experience.
To my surprise, the entrance test conducted directly by NLU Meghalaya was smooth, online, and highly efficient. The exam experience was thoughtfully designed: water bottles, pens were provided—helping candidates focus fully on their performance. Contrary to common fears that online exams are chaotic, this one was seamless and well-managed.
Even more impressive is that the integration of technology doesn’t end with admissions. At NLU Meghalaya, trimester-based exams and the learning process are also conducted online, contributing to a flexible, modern, and engaging academic and paperless environment.
NLU Meghalaya also sets itself apart in recruitment practices. Unlike most government or centrally-funded institutions—where for Group A posts, candidates are shortlisted and called directly for interviews—NLU Meghalaya has adopted a more robust and transparent recruitment system. Even for Group A and B positions, candidates go through multiple stages: an online written test, a presentation round, and finally an interview. The process is well-structured and efficient, with timely result announcements, reflecting the university’s commitment to a fair and merit-based selection system. Thank you, National Law University of Meghalaya, for setting an inspiring example of what a modern, forward-thinking institution can look like. Other institutions would do well to learn from your approach to education, recruitment, and digital integration.
Now I can say our State is moving on the path to Digital India and Digital Learning !!!!.
Yours etc.,
Meshuwa Lyngdoh,
Via email
Death of two boys in Karnataka: Whither justice?
Editor,
The recent unfortunate and tragic incident that had befallen the two Khasi young boys who were studying in Karnataka state is a slur on our Khasi society. The two boys and other students were given contaminated food to eat which caused food poisoning. And then the most horrific tragedy struck the two boys who lost their lives in distant Karnataka far away from their parents and their homes.
I think the blame for their death should go to their parents(especially their fathers) and also to the society (Lei Synshar Cultural Society) for sending the children so far away for the purpose of education and so on.Actually young children must be educated only in their hometowns and villages where they can be looked after by their own parents and guardians.They cannot be packed off to faraway places where there are amidst unknown people and where they cannot even be in touch with their parents.
The societies and recruiting agencies must know that the young children need to be closer to their homes for education and life building opportunities.These elders should be called to account and punished for sending their children far away to unknown places that they have themselves not visited. .
Inspection should also be carried out by the Government on the different societies and agencies that recruit children from here from time to time. Also the local organizations like Khasi Students Union(KSU) and Hynñiewtrep Youth Council(HYC) should take serious note of such subversive recruitment.
Coming to the Lei Synshar Cultural Society(LSCS), this organization too should be punished by law if found guilty for the demise of the two boys, and justice should be given to the two boys and their families.
To conclude, I hope that such incidents are not repeated and children of our Khasi community are no longer recruited by organisations with dubious motives.
Yours etc.,
Wallambiang Rani
Upper Shillong