Meghalaya’s Education Crisis: 36 Schools Record Zero Pass Percentage for Three Consecutive Years, CM Concerned

CM highlighted these challenges in a recent presentation, revealing that from 2015 to 2024, the SSLC pass percentage averaged only 50%.

Over the past three years, Meghalaya’s education system has faced an alarming decline. Thirty-six schools have consistently recorded zero pass percentages in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations conducted by the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE). The problem worsened in 2024 when 124 schools failed to produce a single successful student.

This troubling trend signifies a significant drop in educational standards for a state once regarded as the educational hub of the North East. Meghalaya now ranks last in the Union Ministry of Education’s Performance Grading Index (PGI) for 2021-22, reflecting its dire state. High dropout rates and poor academic performance are pressing issues that demand immediate attention.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted these challenges in a recent presentation, revealing that from 2015 to 2024, the SSLC pass percentage averaged only 50%. In 2023, 146 schools recorded zero pass percentages, a rise from 118 in 2022. Sangma pointed out that 36 schools have consistently failed to achieve a single pass in the last three years, underscoring the need for bold reforms.

Adding to the crisis is the issue of low or no enrolment in many schools. Astonishingly, 206 schools report zero enrolment, yet their teachers continue to draw salaries. Moreover, 2,269 schools have single-digit enrolments, including 30 Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) schools with no students and 268 with fewer than ten. Even government schools are not immune, with 11 schools reporting zero enrolments and 132 having single-digit numbers.

The state spends a staggering Rs 1,967 crores annually on teacher salaries, with Rs 917 crores allocated for government-aided private schools, Rs 684 crore for government schools, and Rs 366 crore for SSA teachers. Despite these investments, Meghalaya’s education outcomes lag far behind those of neighbouring states like Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram.

With a population of nearly 30 lakh (2011 Census), Meghalaya employs 55,160 teachers across 14,582 schools. However, these figures highlight inefficiencies rather than progress. Sangma has called for systemic reforms, acknowledging the urgent need for transformative decisions to revitalise the state’s education system.

Meghalaya’s educational crisis is a stark reminder of the challenges facing India’s schooling system, particularly in underperforming regions. Without prompt and effective intervention, the state risks further eroding its educational foundations, leaving future generations disadvantaged.

Also Read: Railway Ministry Sets Deadline for Meghalaya to Resolve Byrnihat and Shillong Rail Projects

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