By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 19: The State Cabinet has approved the State Curriculum Framework for the foundational stage, covering preschool to Class I, along with new textbooks. The new curriculum focuses on holistic development, value education, and local culture.
“Learning both Khasi and Garo languages will be mandatory,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, adding that the curriculum has been simplified to aid young learners. While some schools have already finalized their syllabus for the upcoming academic year, adoption of the new textbooks is optional this year and will become mandatory next year.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of the National Game Secretariat Society to manage the 39th National Games hosted by Meghalaya. Functioning as an autonomous wing of the Sports Department, the society will be responsible for planning and executing the event. The Sports Minister will serve as Chairperson, with the body including officials from the Sports Department and other government agencies to ensure coordinated oversight.
To strengthen the credit and investment sector, the Cabinet cleared the formation of the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Investment Financing Cooperative Society Ltd (LIFE Co-Op). This institution will provide financial support and working capital to cooperative societies and farmers, specifically targeting agriculture and food processing. The move aims to improve financial access and support value addition in response to projected sectoral growth over the next four years.
In other decisions, the Cabinet appointed Justice S Vaidyanathan, former Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, as Chairperson of the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission.
An amendment to Rule 374 of the excise rules was also approved to reduce export fees on Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) produced in the state. The adjustment is intended to make Meghalaya-manufactured ENA competitive in the North Eastern markets. Currently, local sales are negligible as state rates are five to six times higher than those in neighboring Assam. The new rates have been rationalised to sit slightly below Assam’s levels.
Finally, the Cabinet approved a revised Remission Policy. This provision empowers Jail Superintendents to act suo motu to recommend the release of convicts whose sentences deserve reduction. The policy follows Supreme Court mandates aimed at strengthening the prisoner reform process.
