Editor,
For many years, the beautiful state of Meghalaya, known for its scenic hills and rich culture, has quietly faced a serious challenge in its education system with consistently low pass percentages in school examinations. This issue, while often overshadowed by other developments, has had a significant impact on the future of thousands of students across the state. The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations, conducted by the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE), have long revealed a worrying trend. Year after year, pass percentages have remained well below the national average, with some areas, particularly in the Garo Hills, recording figures as low as 25% in previous years. These numbers reflect a deeper concern that go beyond exam results. They points to gaps in infrastructure, access to quality teaching, and educational support for students.
In recent years, however, the Government of Meghalaya has acknowledged these issues and taken steps to address them. Initiatives like the CM IMPACT Guidebook have been introduced to support SSLC students with structured study material and exam preparation resources. Although not without criticism, such efforts show a commitment to improving outcomes and ensuring that more students have a fair chance at success. The encouraging news is that Meghalaya has seen signs of progress. The recent pass percentage of nearly 88% in the SSLC exams marks a significant improvement and reflects the combined efforts of students, teachers, and the state’s education authorities.
When the CM IMPACT Guidebook was first introduced, few expected it to make the kind of waves it has. But in just a short time, it has become one of the most talked-about tools in Meghalaya’s education space; praised, debated, even questioned but undeniably impactful. In a state where students in many regions have long struggled with limited access to quality learning materials, this guidebook arrived like a breath of fresh air. For students in rural areas, where textbooks are sometimes shared between peers, electricity is unreliable, and online access is a luxury, the guidebook became more than just another academic tool. It became a lifeline. Packaged in simple language, filled with targeted summaries, important questions, and key points, the CM IMPACT Guidebook gave students a clear direction during exam preparation. It didn’t try to replace teachers, but it gave structure and focus, especially to those who needed it most.
For students in remote corners of the Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, and other hard-to-reach places, the guidebook did what the internet could not. It reached them. It put something useful and relevant in their hands. And in doing so, it helped level the playing field—at least a little. Of course, the guidebook didn’t come without criticism. Some questioned its heavy emphasis on exam preparation, and others raised concerns about political branding. But for the students who saw their names on the pass list this year, many for the first time in their families, those debates meant little. What mattered was that they had the tools to succeed. And they used them.
This year’s improved SSLC pass percentage—nearly 88%, is a clear sign that the guidebook had an impact. Students who once struggled to navigate a vast syllabus finally had something that helped them focus. Teachers had a tool they could rely on to reinforce key points. For parents, it brought hope. And for the government, it was a moment of validation. But beneath the celebrations lies a deeper question: Is this exam-focused approach truly helping students learn, or simply helping them pass?
The CM IMPACT Guidebook, while effective in boosting short-term results, leans heavily towards exam preparedness. It simplifies complex topics, prioritises frequently asked questions, and focuses on key areas likely to appear in the exams. This strategy can be helpful in the final months of revision, but if relied on too early or too much, it risks reducing education to memorisation. Many educators and observers have expressed concern that such an approach may cause students to miss out on developing a solid understanding of basic concepts. Foundational skills such as critical thinking, reasoning, and analytical writing are often side-lined when the goal becomes simply to pass. These skills, however, are essential not just for academic success in higher education, but for life beyond the classroom.
Moreover, while the guidebook provides answers, it may not always teach students how to arrive at those answers. Without opportunities to build answer-writing techniques, develop personal expression, or engage in deeper classroom discussions, students risk becoming passive learners. If Meghalaya is to achieve lasting progress in education, the focus must now move beyond the exam hall. The government and education stakeholders must invest in strengthening classroom teaching, training teachers to encourage enquiry-based learning, and designing programmes that build essential life skills. This includes reading, comprehension, logical reasoning, problem-solving, and effective communication.
The CM IMPACT Guidebook is a useful stepping stone, it shows what’s possible with focused effort. But it must be part of a larger strategy that puts real learning at the centre. The goal should not only be to improve pass percentages, but to build confident, curious, and capable learners who are prepared for the challenges of the future.
Meghalaya has taken an important first step. Now is the time to walk further—and deeper.
Yours etc;
Rishanlang Khongwir
Via email
Political favouritism and vendetta
Editor,
Apropos of the news item published in your daily (S.T. 14 April. 2025) captioned “VPP flags neglect of opposition legislators by MDA Government,” I am of the view that the favouritism and undue special facilities extended by the MDA Govt to friendly partners – defeated and elected MLAs – is a chronic and inherited malady that the state and people have suffered since the inception of Meghalaya. Those incumbents in power known as “The High Level” enjoy whatever they want be it development schemes and projects, privileges as political appointees like Chairman, Co-Chairman, Advisers to the Govt. etc with special facilities and perks at par with the ministers. What is more painful for the public is that even the defeated candidates and mere supporters of the ruling Government are availing the same facilities like ministers. All are yes men/women of their Boss. They dare not argue nor disobey him, but must implement what was ordered or instructed, come what may.
On the other hand the opposition legislators suffer unbearable onslaught at the hands of the ruling dispensation in many aspects like the delay and denial of schemes and development projects for their constituencies which are very much deserving. In fact, the opposition legislators and their supporters are being looked down upon and their constituencies are ignored. They suffer step-motherly treatment from the government of the day. Strange but true after some opposition leaders and legislators betrayed their own parties and embraced the ruling party they got whatever they demanded including undue favours, facilities, wealth and fame. The impact of the political vindictiveness definitely has major consequences and has created great resentment and indignation among the victims.
The people of Hynniewtrep (Khasi, U Pnar, U Bhoi, U War) are closely watching this inherent attitude. It should be noted that currently the VPP is gaining ground in the political arena. It will be an acid test for them to clean up the mess and eradicate this cancerous and chronic ailment afflicting the state and its people. We do hope their advocacy and commitment towards clean politics, transparency and accountability will become a reality sooner than later. Let us give the VPP a chance and support it whole-heartedly for a regime change in the next elections so that the prevailing evils will be nipped in the bud.
Yours etc.,
Svetlana Wankhar
Via email