Meghalaya is working towards achieving a 100% literacy rate, Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma stated, while acknowledging that the state still has significant progress to make. Despite being slightly above the national average, Sangma admitted that Meghalaya’s literacy rate is not where it should be.
He highlighted Jaintia Hills as the district with the lowest literacy rate, but assured that the government is committed to improving educational outcomes in the region. A review meeting is planned to assess the situation and address the challenges.
Sangma attributed the state’s lag in literacy, compared to higher-performing states like Mizoram, to factors such as poverty and the long distances to schools, particularly in rural areas. Shocked by the 24-25% illiteracy rate, he emphasized the need for collective efforts and suggested adopting a mission-mode approach to tackle the issue.
The minister further assured that the government is determined to reduce dropout rates, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, with a goal to see significant improvements in the next two to three years.
