Shillong, Dec 20: The state government has approved the State Curriculum Framework for the foundational stage of education, introducing a revamped syllabus for preschool and Class I, along with new textbooks. The framework makes it compulsory for all children to study both Khasi and Garo languages.
“The cabinet has approved the state curriculum framework for the foundational stage. The syllabus for preschool and Class I has been approved, and new textbooks have been introduced,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters after chairing the meeting on Friday.
He added that the framework places a strong emphasis on personality development, instilling core values, and nurturing cultural and historical awareness among young learners.
“During the foundational stages we are focusing on personality development, certain values, and cultural and historical aspects of the state,” Sangma explained.
All children will be required to study both Khasi and Garo.
“We are making it mandatory for every child to learn both Khasi and Garo languages,” the Chief Minister said, noting that textbooks in both languages are now part of the curriculum.
The system has been restructured to make basic concepts easier for children to grasp.
While some schools have already adopted the syllabus for the next academic year, the full set of textbooks will become compulsory from the following year. For the current year, schools may opt to use the new books voluntarily.
“This year, we are not making it mandatory (but we are making it optional) for schools to take all the textbooks that we are proposing; for next year onwards it will be mandatory,” Sangma clarified.
