By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 2: Meghalaya’s literacy rate has crossed 94 per cent, leaving the state just 38,000 literate individuals away from being officially recognised as a ‘fully literate’ state.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, after reviewing the department on Thursday, said that the state needs to reach the 95 per cent threshold to achieve this status. Currently, Mizoram is the only state in the country with such recognition, boasting a literacy rate of 98.20 per cent.
The focus of the final push will be on Functional Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)—the basic reading, writing and mathematical skills required for daily tasks like managing finances and following instructions. To bridge the gap, the government will launch a massive campaign on April 24.
Regarding teacher welfare, the education minister announced that a new pay framework for teachers will be implemented starting May 1. The verification process for teachers is nearly complete.
The review meeting also addressed the salary structure of part-time college teachers and the rationalisation of schools. “The DSEOs are working to resolve any logistical hurdles in this regard,” Rymbui said.
He added that the government has decided to strengthen 186 lower primary schools and several higher secondary schools across the state.
In compliance with Supreme Court directives, the education minister further informed that the government is working to saturate all government schools with essential facilities, including separate toilets for girls and sanitary pad-vending machines.
