Govt examining proposal to adopt CBSE syllabus

Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma has informed that the government is examining the proposal to adopt the Central Board of School Education (CBSE) syllabus in the state.

“We are now examining the proposal to adopt the CBSE curriculum in order to improve the confidence and standards of our students in the state,” Sangma told reporters today.

“It may not be whole but certain sections and step by step we are exploring on how to bring the best education environment for the students,” he added.

The minister further asserted that the whole idea is to ensure the confidence and standard of the students of the state will be at par with the rest of the country.

Guv’s nod awaited for setting up of Captain Williamson Sangma State University

Minister-in-charge of Education Rakkam A Sangma has informed that the government is waiting for the Governor to give his assent to the Captain Williamson Sangma Technical University (Amendment) Bill, 2023 passed by the State Assembly recently for setting up of a State University.

“We have just passed the Act in the Assembly and once the Governor gives his assent, we will work out the modalities on how to go ahead and to start the State University at the earliest possible,” Sangma told reporters here.

He said that having a state university after 50 years of statehood is a milestone for the government.

The Captain Williamson Sangma State University (Amendment) Act, 2023 proposes to amend the Captain Williamson Sangma Technical University Act.

The objective of the Act is to have State Universities catering to both higher and technical education offering higher education in the fields of humanities, general sciences, engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, commerce, performing arts, professional courses, technology and related areas.

It will also provide scope for research, advancement and dissemination of knowledge therein.

The minister said the problem related to the CUET will be resolved to a great extent once all colleges are affiliated to the State University.

“Not only about the CUET issue, it is for better education facilities for our students. Due to certain limitations, we have to ask for an exemption and we cannot ask for an exemption again and again. Therefore, we have to find a way forward and a better solution for our students,” Sangma added.

1st Meghalaya International Film Festival concludes on a hopeful note

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 18: The first Meghalaya International Film Festival, an initiative of the Meghalaya Filmmakers’ Association (MeFilma), under the aegis of Founder President Commander Shangpliang and the Meghalaya Tourism drew its curtain today on an appreciating note with old classics and critically acclaimed films screened during the festival, attended by several film personalities from across the country, including guest countries.

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The festival that kickstarted on March 14, saw some best of the films being showcased during the 5-day film bonanza with enthusiastic and passionate cine-lovers thronging the venues to watch a few of these critically acclaimed classics much to their delight.

A cult film “Ka Synjuk Ri ki Laiphew Syiem (The Alliance of 30 Kings)” which is incidentally the first Khasi film was screened on the last day to make the festival more befitting. Another outstanding and critically acclaimed Vietnamese film “Kieu” was also showcased much to the delight of the cine enthusiasts. Director Cao Thai Ha and the Casting of “Kieu” received a warm welcome from the Meghalaya International Film Festival Organisers.

A few more films screened and garnered loads of enthusiasm are “Lorni “, “Ka Chithi”, “ING 156”, “14/8” along with “Kagaz ki Khasti”, “Anur”, “A Common Crime” and “Joon.”

An interesting screenwriting workshop “Changing narratives with women empowerment and strong female character” was organised on the penultimate day with a few notable film personalities and female entrepreneurs like Aruna Chakravorty, Anjali Patil and Barkha Bisht Sengupta adding colours to the proceedings moderated by Aditriye Dipika.

Minister of Information and Public Relations, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh graced the closing ceremony as Chief Guest, held at U Soso Tham auditorium and notable Bollywood actor, Sanjay Mishra graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.

Notable actor Sanjay Mishra said, “ It’s a beautiful beginning with lots of opportunities. Hoping that in a span of 10 years, this would be a prestigious film festival of the country.”

While speaking on the occasion, Minister of Information and Public Relations, Ampareen Lyngdoh mentioned, “On behalf of the Govt of Meghalaya we assure you that we will provide attention to talented people of the State, and we will invest a sizeable amount to support this unique ability of our people to naturally perform and host festival of this nature.” She also conveyed the message of the Chief Minister that the Government of Meghalaya wants to encourage and invest towards nurturing talents from this State and provide them with the right direction to excel in this field.

Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam Sangma for fast tracking teacher recruitment

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 10: Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma today asserted the need to improve the educational sector through fast-tracking government elementary teachers recruitment, contextualise State Curriculum Framework(SCF) in the context of the National Curriculum Framework(NCF) and in line with the New Education Policy 2020, as well as capitalizing on the current initiatives of the State Government on infrastructure upgrade, improvement of quality education through the child-tracking system under Vidya Samiksha Kendra and streamlining teacher’s salary.

In his first interaction with the senior education department’s officials, Rakkam A Sangma also informed that the letter of request for exemption of CUET in respect of the State of Meghalaya from conducting the CUET for the State’s under graduates Institutions for the current academic session has been dispatched through the Chief Minister’s Office.

He also stated that the request letter for extension of the last date of registration for CUET to 31st March 2023 for the State of Meghalaya has been forwarded to the Director General, NTA, New Delhi, citing reasons of the recent Legislative Assembly Election which resulted in the delay of State Board examination wherein, several rural-based students are facing problems of applying/registration in the CUET portal due to remote location, internet connectivity and inaccessible terrain challenges.

The minister also made a brief visit to the Directorate of Educational Research & Training and exhorted all the State Education Team to work tirelessly for furthering the quality of education in the State.