SHILLONG, JAN 16: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday approved the introduction of community integrated skill learning as a structured curriculum component for students of Classes VI to X, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced.
Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, Sangma said the initiative will integrate practical skill-based learning into the existing physical and health education curriculum, with 50 per cent of the marks allocated for students learning a skill from their family or community.
“We intend to put 50 per cent of the marks in that particular subject where students will be asked to connect with one or multiple skills that they would like to pursue,” the Chief Minister said.
Sangma explained that students can choose skills linked to their family’s occupation or business, such as baking, farming, blacksmithing, or other traditional and vocational practices, and learn directly from parents or relatives.
The initiative aims to provide multiple benefits, including equipping students with practical skills for future use, ensuring continuity of family occupations, and strengthening social bonds within families.
“One, the child will end up learning a skill that will be of productive use in the future. Two, it will help ensure continuity in family occupations, and third, it will have a positive social impact within families,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister added that the programme will encourage meaningful interaction between students and their parents while allowing students to earn academic credit for skill learning.
“It will encourage positive coordination within family members and also create a good social impact,” he added.