Shillong, Jan 16: A meeting of the Meghalaya Cabinet was held today at Mawkasiang, during which several key policy decisions and approvals were taken, with a strong focus on education reforms, social recognition, and administrative matters.
CISL to Be Introduced for Classes VI to X
The Cabinet approved the introduction of Community-Integrated Skill Learning (CISL) as a structured curricular component for students of Classes VI to X. Currently, Health and Physical Education is taught as a sixth subject, largely limited to theoretical content. Under the new framework, CISL will be integrated into this subject to make learning more practical and experiential.
Students will be encouraged to identify and learn one or more practical skills aligned with their interests and family or community background. For instance, students from farming families may learn agricultural skills directly from parents, while others may explore skills practiced within their local communities. Students will be required to actively learn, practice, and demonstrate these skills as part of their academic assessment.
The initiative aims to promote practical skill development, preserve traditional family and community occupations, and strengthen social and family bonds through active participation in the learning process. The Education Department described CISL as a step towards bridging classroom education with real-life skills and meaningful community engagement.
Private Candidates Allowed for SSLC Examination
The Cabinet also approved a new provision to allow admission and registration of private candidates for the SSLC Examination under the Meghalaya Board of School Education. This move is expected to benefit students who were unable to clear the matriculation examination earlier or had dropped out after Class VIII due to various circumstances. The government said the process would be streamlined to encourage more learners to complete their Class X education.
Meghalaya Day Awardees 2026 Approved
The Cabinet approved the Meghalaya Day Awardees for 2026.
• Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih will receive the U Tirot Sing Award for Arts & Literature.
• Father Benoy Joseph has been selected for the Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services.
• Riiohlang Dhar will be honoured with the U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports & Games.
Other Key Decisions
Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved the Meghalaya Border Areas Development Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025, and granted extensions of service to several senior officials, including:
• Shri Kynphambor Wahlang, Superintending Engineer (HQ), Directorate of Urban Affairs, Shillong.
• Shri Robert Lyngdoh (Retd.), Officer on Special Duty and Ex-Officio Secretary, Planning Department, and Chief Administrative Officer, Meghalaya Age Limited.
• Shri Bruce P. Marak (Retd.), Chief Engineer (PWD–National Highway) and Advisor to the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project.
The Cabinet also approved the Republic Day Speech 2026 and the nomination of VIPs to take the salute on Republic Day 2026.
Officials said the decisions reflect the government’s focus on inclusive education, administrative continuity, and recognition of excellence across sectors in the state.
