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Shillong: Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma has defended the state government’s introduction of the CM Impact Guidebook, responding strongly to criticism from the Voice of the People Party (VPP).
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sangma said those who oppose the guidebook are free to discard it, but those who find it useful should use it responsibly and with care.
“If someone wants to throw it into the Umiam reservoir or anywhere else, they are free to do so. But for those who see value in it, it should be preserved and utilized properly,” the minister said.
The VPP had earlier slammed the government, claiming the guidebook had artificially boosted the SSLC (Class 10) pass percentage to 87.10%, which they argue comes at the cost of education quality. In response, Sangma clarified that the guidebook is not meant to be a shortcut, but a tool to guide and prepare students for examinations more effectively.
“The CM Guidebook has helped thousands of students prepare well and pass the matric exams. It’s not about passing students blindly; it’s about giving them the right support,” he asserted.
To ensure students who pass matriculation can continue their studies without disruption, Sangma said the government has encouraged private schools to start Higher Secondary and Morning Sections. The state will also introduce Higher Secondary classes in four government schools that currently do not have them.
Sangma further outlined the state’s broader efforts to revamp the education system. He said that after two years of consultations, the government has adopted NCERT-based textbooks and restructured exam patterns to align with national boards like CBSE and ICSE. As part of this shift, 22-25% of the questions have been redesigned to match the standards of these central education boards.
Highlighting the lack of qualified teachers in rural areas, the minister said QR-coded textbooks have been introduced to bridge learning gaps. Students can scan the codes to access answers and explanations. Additionally, the CM Impact initiative includes a special training component for teachers to enhance classroom instruction.
Rakkam said the goal is to bring Meghalaya on par with high-performing states like Kerala, Mizoram and Assam, where matric pass percentages reach up to 99%.
