Editor,
After going through the article on the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) authored by Mr. H. Srikanth and Airpeace Rani, published on December 9, 2025, in The Shillong Times, I felt strongly that a response was needed. The writers have presented the situation with appreciable honesty. Many of us in the teaching community could instantly relate to it. What has been written there is what we hear every day in our staff rooms, in the corridors, and even in casual conversations with students.
There is no question that the ideas behind NEP 2020 are attractive. A four-year degree with research, flexibility, and skill development is something any modern education system should welcome. In places where colleges have the staff, space, and facilities, students are indeed benefitting. But as the article rightly pointed out, a good plan means little if the ground is not ready for it.
And that is where Meghalaya is struggling. Reports have shown that less than 10% of our colleges were actually prepared to start FYUGP. Most colleges simply did not have enough trained teachers or the rooms, labs, and support systems needed for such a big change. When a reform arrives before the system is ready, the pressure naturally falls on the people within it.
Teachers are now handling more than ever before—major papers, minor papers, AEC, SEC, MDC, vocational classes, and everything in between. Many are taking subjects they were never trained for, only because there is no one else. Still, they continue to teach with patience and responsibility. It was heartening to see the article acknowledge this silent effort. Teachers rarely speak about their own load, but the reality is that they are carrying most of this reform on their shoulders.
Students, on their part, are feeling the weight too. Many tell us that the work just keeps coming, and the assessments seem endless. Several of the skill courses do not match our local setting. We know our rural Meghalaya does not have the industries or training spaces needed to support these subjects. It is quite natural for students to ask, “How does this help me here?” Is it not a fair question?
There is also the worry caused by the high failure rates reported in some Northeastern universities in the first year of FYUGP. The ‘Multiple Exit’ ..option, which was meant to help, sometimes feels like another pressure point for students who are already struggling.
These concerns should not be seen as complaints. They are simply facts that many academicians across the country have been warning about. FYUGP came too quickly, without giving colleges the time or support they needed. A reform of this size, I feel, requires trial runs, clear instructions, more staff, and local planning. Without these, even a good idea can become a burden for everyone.
This does not mean that we reject the vision of NEP 2020. Many of its ideas are truly forward-looking. But for Meghalaya, we need a slower, steadier approach.
– We need teachers.
– We need infrastructure.
– We need courses that make sense for our state.
– We need clarity instead of confusion.
And above all, we need to remember that an education reform succeeds only when the student who sits quietly in the last row feels supported, and when the teacher in the smallest college feels respected. Today’s article reminded us of this simple truth, and the writers deserve appreciation for bringing it forward with such sensitivity.
FYUGP can still become what it was meant to be. But it must grow at the pace of preparedness and with respect for the people who live the reform every day.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj,
Via email
Deepening Worries on Alleged MPSC Paper Leak
Editor,
I read the recent letter titled “Allegations of Malpractices by MPSC” written by the earlier contributor and I fully agree with all the concerns raised. The issues highlighted by the writer are no longer isolated claims. They have become the talk of the town and are openly discussed by aspirants, parents, teachers, and the wider public. The fact that so many people are repeating the same fears shows how fragile confidence in the system has become.
Among the issues mentioned by the earlier writer, the most alarming is the alleged leakage of question papers which has the gravest implications for fairness and integrity. A paper leak is not a minor irregularity. It signifies a complete breakdown in internal security and strongly suggests insider involvement, negligence, or organised malpractice.
This matter demands urgent cognisance. The public is entitled to clear answers to the following:
• Who are the individuals responsible for the alleged leak?
• Through what channels did the papers circulate?
• Did certain candidates or coaching networks benefit?
• Has this problem occurred in previous examinations?
Nothing short of a transparent, independent investigation will restore trust. An internal review will only raise further doubts when transparency is already lacking.
Beyond the points highlighted by the earlier contributor, there are other troubling patterns widely discussed by citizens such as unusually high marks among select groups, inconsistencies between centres, absence of CCTV surveillance, lack of biometric verification, and the absence of secure digital handling of question papers. Another growing concern among the public is the recurring trend of multiple siblings from the same household securing government jobs one after another. While individual merit cannot be dismissed, such repeated patterns naturally raise doubts about fairness and transparency, especially in a system already under scrutiny. These issues together indicate systemic weakness that must be urgently addressed.
Meghalaya’s youth deserve a recruitment system grounded in merit, honesty, and equal opportunity. Every sincere candidate has the right to believe that exams are conducted fairly and without manipulation. And where do we stand when we ourselves are job aspirants, preparing with dedication but left uncertain about the fairness of the process
I therefore extend my full support to the earlier writer of “Allegations of Malpractices by MPSC” and strongly urge the authorities to identify those responsible for any alleged paper leak and implement meaningful reforms without delay.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Via email
Genuine praise for Shillong’s civic sense
Editor,
On December 8, while scrolling through Facebook, a post prompted me to share with others the civic sense of the people of Shillong that attracted the attention of a traveller most probably from another part of India. He was videoing the procession of people celebrating the yearly festival of Seng Kut Snem this year. The traveller was surprised to see thousands of people walking in a queue in Police Bazar and maintaining discipline despite the traffic congestion. Free cold drinks were being served by the Jiva Cares team but there was almost no littering of paper cups in the streets. Some people were even seen picking up the paper cups accidently thrown in and around the area and putting them in the waste bins. This has completely overwhelmed the tourist who said in the video that anyone who is prone to littering should not come to Meghalaya. This is really a praiseworthy remark for Meghalayans.
Yours etc.,
Deepak Chhetry,
Via email
