Guidebook Row
SHILLONG, April 15: Tura Lok Sabha MP Saleng A Sangma on Tuesday strongly criticised the NPP-led MDA government, accusing it of compromising Meghalaya’s education system under the guise of improving pass percentages.
“This is a desperate attempt by the government to gain attention. Our education system is already deteriorating, and the current administration is pushing it further downhill. If this continues, we may end up with the worst education system in the country,” Sangma told reporters.
He warned that students will suffer in the long run if the primary objective is merely to inflate pass rates. Sangma added that the outcomes over the past few years have not been encouraging. “The government cannot simply boost its image by showcasing higher pass percentages. That doesn’t reflect the true condition of education in Meghalaya,” he said.
Sangma also urged parents to recognise the underlying issues and refrain from celebrating such results. He cited the manner in which this year’s SSLC exams were conducted by the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE), and called on stakeholders to question the direction the education system is heading.
“Parents must understand that this is not a healthy trend. Instead of celebrating, they should demand that the government engage with academicians, educators, and other stakeholders to bring about meaningful reform in the education sector,” he stated.
Advocating a return to traditional teaching and evaluation methods, Sangma emphasised that parents send their children to school to gain knowledge and prepare for the future — not to rely on shortcuts.
He criticised the widespread use of the CM’s Impact Guidebook, arguing that it discourages students from using textbooks. “Children now know they no longer need to refer to textbooks. All they need is the CM’s guidebook to pass the exams. If that’s the case, why even attend school?” Sangma questioned.
He added that this approach undermines the core purpose of education and could have lasting consequences. “Instead of uplifting the education system, the government is weakening it and failing the very children who are the future of our state.”
Sangma also expressed concern about the employability of students under the current system, questioning whether they would be prepared for competitive exams like CUET and NEET. “Will the Chief Minister provide a similar guidebook for these exams too?” he asked sarcastically.
Taking a final jab at the government, Sangma remarked that the administration is more focused on organising entertainment events than on improving education.
“Our youth might as well focus on dancing and celebrating — they no longer have to worry about studying,” the Tura MP said.