In a move to integrate technology into education and address existing gaps, Meghalaya’s Education Minister, Rakkam A Sangma, on Thursday launched QR (Quick Response) code-enabled textbooks for Science and Mathematics for secondary schools. The launch event was held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong.
With over 18,000 untrained teachers in the state, this initiative aims to enhance conceptual learning, especially in rural areas where there is a lack of skilled educators. Speaking to the media, Sangma highlighted the significance of the initiative, saying, “If I am not wrong, we will be the first in the country to introduce an extensive digital learning app for our students. It will definitely help both students and teachers, especially in rural Meghalaya, where the lack of good teachers is a major issue. This step will improve conceptual learning and make a big difference in our education system. I believe this is a game-changing initiative for the state.”
Meghalaya employs 55,160 teachers across 14,582 schools, with 7,783 being government-run—the highest number of government schools in the North East. Of these, 4,172 are government-aided, including adhoc and deficit institutions. Despite these numbers, the state continues to grapple with systemic challenges, including untrained educators and limited resources, particularly in mathematics and science.
Addressing the education challenges of the past, Sangma stated, “It’s not about making everything easy; look at the last 50 years—something went wrong somewhere. We have to bridge these gaps. This initiative is about providing the best platform for our children to learn.”
The QR-enabled textbooks, accessible through a digital learning app, are designed to supplement classroom teaching and provide resources to areas with inadequate infrastructure. “In rural areas, we don’t have enough good teachers, and our students often struggle with mathematics. This initiative will serve as an aid, supplementing teachers’ efforts and helping students grasp concepts better,” Sangma added.
The Education Minister expressed optimism about the future, underscoring the importance of embracing technology to modernize the education system and ensure equitable learning opportunities. Comparing Meghalaya’s education scenario with neighboring states like Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram, he noted that the state is determined to take bold steps to uplift its education sector.
This initiative marks a significant step in Meghalaya’s efforts to address the challenges in its education system and empower both students and teachers across the state.