With Meghalaya reporting a 21.7% dropout rate at the secondary level (Classes 9 and 10) in 2021-22—the highest in the Northeast and the second highest in the country—the state government has initiated the “Back to School Campaign”. The campaign is a joint effort by the Government of Meghalaya, the District Legal Services Authority, and Red FM 93.5 Shillong, aimed at addressing this alarming issue and encouraging students to return to formal education.
Explaining the importance of the campaign, Meghalaya’s Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma said, “The ‘Back to School Campaign’ is necessary because it is like a mission. Education is not just about securing a job but learning how to live. Educated people can find their livelihood and understand the world better. I would urge not only the government but every stakeholder—teachers, businesspeople, students, and church leaders—to encourage dropout students to return to school.”
The campaign, titled “Opening Doors for Education to Children” and “Back to School Campaign”, carries the tagline “Securing Free and Compulsory Education to Children of Meghalaya”. Its goal is to ensure that every child in the state has access to education and to motivate school dropouts to resume their studies.
The dropout rate of 21.7% in Classes 9 and 10 is highlighted in the 2023-24 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index report, which places Meghalaya at the top of the Northeastern states for school dropout rates. In response, Education Minister Sangma has expressed deep concern and announced a series of comprehensive measures to address the issue.
Earlier, the state government tasked Deputy Commissioners with evaluating schools showing poor performance. Field researchers have conducted extensive visits across eight districts, including West Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, West Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, and Ri Bhoi.
In addition to the campaign, the Education Department has undertaken several initiatives such as revising school textbooks, renovating school infrastructure, and introducing new educational tools. Despite these efforts, dropout rates remain high, particularly in the Garo Hills region, where the SSLC pass percentage has averaged only 37% over the last five years.
The “Back to School Campaign” is a crucial step in ensuring that children in Meghalaya are not left behind, with the hope that it will reintegrate dropouts into the education system and provide them with the opportunities they deserve.