The Meghalaya Youth Congress has sharply criticized the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government following the state’s dismal performance in the Ministry of Education’s 2025 performance report. Ranked lowest among Indian states, Meghalaya’s standing has triggered public outrage and political backlash.
On Saturday, the Youth Congress labeled the report “humiliating” and pointed to systemic failures in governance. They alleged that years of neglect under the MDA government have led to teacher shortages, crumbling infrastructure, and dismal academic results.
Report reveals grim education reality
The Ministry of Education’s latest report evaluated states based on key indicators such as student-teacher ratio, enrolment rates, infrastructure development, digital readiness, and learning outcomes. Meghalaya scored lowest in multiple categories.
According to the report, over 30 percent of government schools in the state still lack adequate toilet facilities. Nearly 40 percent of teaching positions, especially in rural areas, remain vacant. Classrooms are overcrowded, with some schools reporting a student-teacher ratio exceeding 60:1.
Youth Congress questions MDA’s commitment
Youth Congress President Andrew Shullai accused the MDA government of treating education as a low priority. “What more evidence do we need? Our youth are being failed by a system that doesn’t care. Empty promises won’t educate our children,” he said.
He added that the government had failed to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 effectively, despite multiple announcements and budget allocations. “The NEP is a powerful roadmap, but here in Meghalaya, it’s just paperwork,” Shullai said.
Lack of teachers, infrastructure in focus
Critics argue that unfilled teaching positions are the root cause of the crisis. A large number of schools operate with one or two teachers. Further, sometimes handling multiple classes across different grades.
“Children in Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills are missing out on basic education. The dropout rate is increasing every year,” said a retired school principal in West Khasi Hills, requesting anonymity.
Additionally, government records show that only 55 percent of schools in the state are equipped with electricity and functional computer labs, placing Meghalaya behind the national average.
State government defends record
In response to the criticism, a senior official from the Education Department said the state has taken “consistent steps” to improve education. “We are recruiting teachers through the Meghalaya Teachers Eligibility Test (MTET), investing in digital classrooms, and upgrading infrastructure in phases,” the official said.
However, Youth Congress leaders remain unconvinced. Also, they say policy implementation on the ground remains poor and slow.
Civil society voices concern On Education
Local NGOs and education advocates also weighed in on the crisis. “We have submitted reports to the government for over five years. But progress is minimal. Our future is at stake,” said Angela Mawlong, a child rights activist from Shillong.
An online petition demanding urgent reforms in the education sector has gained over 10,000 signatures within a day of the report’s release.
A call to action before it’s too late
The Youth Congress has urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to take immediate corrective action. “We demand a special education task force to be formed. The government must release a white paper on the state of education,” Shullai said.
If no concrete steps are taken in the next 30 days, the Youth Congress has threatened to launch a statewide protest campaign.
Call to Action:
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