State mulls clustering of ‘fragmented’ schools  

Single institution functions as four separate schools -LP, UP, Secondary, & HS  

Shillong, Feb 15: The school system in Meghalaya is likely to witness a massive overhaul with the state government considering clustering of institutions to enhance administrative efficiency and maximum utilisation of resources.

Officials believe the consolidation will not only eliminate redundancies but also improve their academic outcomes.

Under the current fragmented system, multiple sections of the same institution operate as separate schools – currently over 14,500 schools across the state – due to administrative classifications.

Clustering of schools was listed as a priority policy discussion in a review meeting chaired by Vijay Mantri, commissioner and secretary of Education department.

Explaining the administrative challenge of having multiple entities under one school, School Education & Literacy director Swapnil Tembe, said, “In many areas, a single institution functions as four separate schools — Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Secondary, and Higher Secondary.”

Each of assigned are assigned a unique UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education) code because of different funding schemes.

“In reality, they operate as one school but are managed as distinct entities,” he said.

Emphasising on the issue, chief minister Conrad K Sangma had earlier underscored the need for rationalising school structures to ensure better governance.

According to the 2011 Census, Meghalaya has a population of 29.66 lakh and accommodates 55,160 teachers across 14,582 schools.

With 7,783 government schools and 4,172 government-aided institutions, including ad-hoc and deficit schools, the state has the highest concentration of government schools in the Northeast.

“Given our relatively small population, the high number of schools is unsustainable. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates for composite schools, which integrate education from pre-primary to Class 12 under one institution. This model will provide continuity for students, reducing disruptions in their learning journey,” Tembe added.

Currently, students in Meghalaya often change schools multiple times—transitioning from LP to UP, then to Secondary and Higher Secondary—sometimes across considerable distances.

“On an average, a student in Meghalaya changes schools four times in their academic journey. This fragmentation contributes to dropout rates. Clustering schools will create a more stable and nurturing learning environment,” Tembe noted.

The Education Department has now directed officials to conduct field inspections to identify schools that can be merged.

A detailed report is expected soon, setting the stage for an overhaul of Meghalaya’s education system.

Hot this week

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

The Baghmara connection to Meghalaya’s political history

Tura, Aug 17: For many in the state, Baghmara...

Mondal apprises NERPC of steps to harness hydropower potential

Shillong, Feb 21: Power minister AT Mondal has apprised...

Ardent misled people on Article 371: KHADC chief

Shillong, Feb 21: NPP leader and KHADC chief Pyniaid...

Bhutan PM calls Modi his ‘mentor’, seeks guidance to help transform public service

New Delhi, Feb 21: Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay...

Mob vandalism prompts repoll in 4 polling stations

Shillong, Feb 21: Repoll has been ordered in four...

Nepalese girl death: KIIT founder Samanta, other functionaries appear before Odisha govt panel

Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: Senior officials of Odisha-based Kalinga Institute...

Jaishankar stresses India-China cooperation to maintain G20 integrity

Johannesburg, Feb 21: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on...

Language row: Rise above politics, Pradhan tells Stalin

New Delhi/Chennai, Feb 21: The language row involving the...

Car lies atop a rock pile as driver lost control in Tura

Tura, Feb 21: A Hyundai vehicle lies atop a...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img