SHILLONG, May 30: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Garo Hills Zone, has urged the state government not to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 until proper groundwork is completed. This includes the development of adequate infrastructure, appointment of sufficient teaching staff and ensuring that all stakeholders are fully prepared for the transition.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, FKJGP Garo Hills Zone president Pritam Arengh said, “This concern arises from the feedback we’ve received from students, teachers, academicians and education department employees, all of whom believe that the current implementation of NEP would do more harm than good to the state’s education system.”
Arengh also highlighted growing public concerns that the state government has begun the process of phasing out the SSLC examinations in alignment with NEP 2020 requirements.
He noted that the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE) declared the SSLC results on April 5, 2025, with approximately 80% of students passing. This high success rate has fuelled speculation that the SSLC examination may be discontinued after 2025.
Arengh said there are also allegations that the 2025 examination papers were deliberately simplified, sparking fears that the examination was not truly reflective of students’ academic abilities.
Further concerns were raised about the introduction of a ‘CM Guidebook’ in 2024, purportedly aimed at students appearing for the 2025 SSLC examinations.
It is alleged that up to 80% of the questions in the 2025 exam matched those found in the guidebook, raising questions about academic integrity, he stated.
Despite these issues, Arengh said that the immediate crisis is the dearth of seats in government-run higher secondary institutions, particularly in Tura.
He said the problem is especially affecting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across the Garo Hills region, who prefer to pursue their Class XI studies in Tura.
“We have identified around 300 students who are seeking admission in government institutions in Tura. While there are vacant seats in some private and semi-private schools, many students are unable to afford the high admission and tuition fees,” Arengh explained.
He also reported that the results of the SSLC supplementary examinations, released on May 26, have added to the number of students now seeking admission.
The FKJGP Garo Hills Zone president said they estimate an additional 200-300 students will be looking for seats in government institutions, bringing the total to around 500-600 students.
“If the government does not take urgent action, these students may be forced to discontinue their studies,” Arengh warned.
To address the issue, the FKJGP has proposed several measures, including the introduction of morning and evening shifts in government institutions in and around Tura, subsidisation of admission fees and monthly tuition in private and semi-private schools and financial incentives and support for students opting for trade schools.
He urged the government to treat the matter as a priority to prevent student dropouts and uphold the right to education for all.
