Shillong, Sept 5 – Swapnil Tembe, Director of the Directorate of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), Government of Meghalaya, announced the launch of the “CM Impact” initiative, a program designed to transform the state’s education system through focused reforms and innovations.
Tembe highlighted that the initiative is mission-driven, with a specific focus on remedial classes aimed at identifying and addressing students’ weak areas. The program, designed to yield results within a year, introduces guidebooks and remedial classes to help students struggling with certain subjects.
“Today, the CM launched CM Impact with a mission-mode approach. It’s not a long-term project—the goal is to see results by next year,” Tembe said. “Guidebooks have been specially created for students who face challenges in gathering information, serving as both a question bank and a set of concepts for those who need extra help.”
The remedial classes, a key part of the program, will be conducted at exam centers, providing support for all students, including private candidates. “When I was in school, we had pre-boards followed by remedial classes. This is something we’ve missed over the years. Now, these classes will help identify weak areas and assist students accordingly,” Tembe added.
Digitalization of Education
On the subject of digitalization, Tembe discussed the integration of digital tools in the learning process, such as the use of QR codes in textbooks, which allow students to access video content. He also highlighted the state’s progress in expanding Information Communication Technology (ICT) in schools.
“More than 400 schools now have ICT facilities under Samagra Shiksha, but they are mostly in secondary and higher secondary schools,” Tembe said. “With over 9,000 elementary schools in the state, it’s still a challenge, but we’re working towards addressing it.”
Despite the growing use of digital resources, Tembe underscored the irreplaceable value of traditional classroom learning, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. “In-person teaching remains irreplaceable, as we learned during COVID. Online classes can’t replace the value of teachers and classroom interaction.”
Bagless Days
Another major feature of the CM Impact program is the introduction of “bagless days,” where students engage in non-academic activities. This initiative has been incorporated into the 2024 school calendar, with 10 designated days for such activities.
“We’ve allocated 10 bagless days in the 2024 calendar,” Tembe explained. “On these days, students can participate in activities like working on nutrition gardens, sports, or career counseling. Guidelines for these days have been provided for senior classes, with plans to extend them to all grades.”
Long-term Vision
The CM Impact initiative is focused on making foundational improvements to Meghalaya’s education system. By introducing structured reforms, the state aims to enhance student learning outcomes, integrate technology, and maintain the essential role of classroom teaching, setting the stage for long-term educational progress