SHILLONG: With an aim to develop cutting-edge programmes for training of teachers and students in Meghalaya, the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-G) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state Education Department.
The MoU was signed in a meeting between Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, National People’s Party (NPP) leader Himalaya Shangpliang, and representatives of IIT-G at the institute’s campus in Guwahati on Monday.
The academic collaboration seeks to develop subject-specific training programmes with a particular focus on Mathematics and Science.
The programmes and their execution will fall under the umbrella of the Centre’s Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
IIT-G took to social media to share the news, stating, “@IITGuwahati signed an MoU with the Govt. of Meghalaya Education Department (SSA) this morning for development & implementation of Programs under SSA including Training of Teachers and Students in experimental learning of Science and Mathematics.”
The move aligns with the ongoing discourse in Meghalaya on the incorporation of Mathematics and Science as mandatory subjects.
Education Minister Sangma had earlier expressed the need for these subjects in the curriculum during discussions with 40 principals from different secondary and higher secondary schools in Shillong late in October.
“Many of the teachers are of the opinion to make mathematics compulsory but, as of now, the government is yet to decide. In due course of time, we will reexamine and look into suggestions made by the principals,” Sangma stated during a press briefing on October 28.
Presently, the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) allows students to choose their best five out of six subjects.
This flexibility often results in students opting out of Mathematics.
According to MBOSE rules established in 2016, a student sitting the SSLC exams must clear five out of the six subjects, even if one of the failed subjects is Mathematics or Science.
