SHILLONG, JAN 16: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday announced that the state Cabinet has approved the introduction of community integrated skill learning as a structured curricula component for classes VI to X.

Sangma said the initiative aims to incorporate practical skills into the existing physical and health education curriculum, with 50% of the marks allocated to students learning a skill from their family or community.

“We intend to put 50 percent of the marks for the students in that particular subject… where the students will be asked to connect with one skill or multiple skills that he/she would like to do,” he explained.

The CM said the skill could be related to a family business or occupation, such as baking, farming, or blacksmithing, allowing students to learn from their parents or relatives.

This approach has multiple benefits, including equipping students with a productive skill, promoting continuity in family occupations, and fostering positive interactions within families.

“One, the child will end up learning a skill that is going to be of productive use in the future. Two, we will also ensure that there is a continuity in terms of that occupation of that particular family… and third aspect is the whole aspect of the social impact within families,” Sangma said.

The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative will encourage students to engage with their parents and learn valuable skills, while also earning marks in their curriculum.

“It will encourage good or positive coordination within the family members and they can have a good social impact also,” he added.