Education in Meghalaya – An Introduction
Meghalaya meaning “the abode of clouds” is a state in the north eastern part of the country. It is a very mineral rich state receives the highest national rainfall. Its capital Shillong, is a very picturesque city and is often called the “Scotland of the East”. Meghalaya has a diverse tribal population with a very high (70.25%) Christian majority. It has a matrilineal society. Meghalaya has some of the thickest primary forests in the country and therefore constitutes one of the most important ecotourism circuits in India. As per 2011 census the population of Meghalaya was 2.97 million, of which the male population was 1.49 million and female population was 1.48 million. The literacy rate of Meghalaya was 74.43%, of which the male literacy is 75.95% and female literacy is 71.88%. The sex ratio of Meghalaya was 989 females per 1000 males, which are much above the national average of 940.
School Education in Meghalaya
Read about Education in Meghalaya
Meghalaya is one state which has heralded the concept of involving the “community” in an advisory level in the education process at the elementary level. As per the Directorate of Education there are 6612 primary and upper primary schools, 783 secondary schools and 112 higher secondary schools in Meghalaya. The ASER points out that 7% of the 6 – 14 age groups are not enrolled. The government has since redressed the matter after which the education scenario has started to look up. Meghalaya has pioneered the introduction of Chinese language in its schools. Mid day meals in schools have to a great extent helped in improving the gross enrollment ratio. The structure of education in the state, is based on the national level pattern with 12 years of schooling (10+2+3), consisting of seven years of elementary education, that is, four years of primary and three years of Upper Primary for the age groups of 6-11 and 11-14 years, respectively, followed by secondary and higher secondary education of two years each. The schools in Meghalaya are either affiliated to the state education board, the CBSE board or ICSE board. English is generally the medium of instruction in ICSE and CBSE schools in Meghalaya.
Higher Education in Meghalaya
Meghalaya has 3 central universities, 1 state university and 10 private universities. There are 63 degree colleges, 2 engineering colleges, 3 polytechnics and 7 institutions of national importance located in the state. Directorate of Higher & Technical Education plays a very important role in administration, governance and supervision of different activities relating to Higher Education including College and University Education, Technical Education, Professional Education and Vocational Education in the State of Meghalaya. Shillong city has a number of colleges, which provide a great platform for higher education in the field of engineering, arts and social science, law, commerce, medical science, journalism etc,. A new National Institute of Technology and six private universities have also been permitted to open their campuses in the state. Due to the paucity of industry and employment opportunities aspirants have to migrate to other cities.
Education in Meghalaya – Future
Too much is happening on the educational front in Meghalaya and it is in a short span of time rank at par with the other states in proving quality and diverse skills to aspirants.