Shillong, Jan 23: Meghalaya’s Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma on Thursday said the initiative to roll out QR code-enabled textbooks for Science and Mathematics is a bold step forward in integrating technology into Meghalaya’s educational framework.

This first-of-its-kind initiative in the Northeast aims to bridge the urban-rural divide in education, offering students innovative tools to access interactive learning materials.

The QR Code-Enabled Textbooks integrate traditional teaching with digital learning, granting students and teachers instant access to detailed explanations, interactive videos, and frequently asked questions with a simple scan.

The launch event, held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, brought together key stakeholders in the state’s education sector, including HM Shangpliang, advisor to the Education Department; Ambrose Ch. Marak, Directorate of Higher and Technical Education; Swapnil Tembe, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha; and Macdonald Marbaniang, Joint Director of the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE).

Speaking at the event, Sangma praised MBOSE for spearheading the project and called it a “small but significant step” in revolutionizing education in Meghalaya. “This initiative has the potential to uplift the quality of education, especially in rural areas where resources are often limited. It’s time to accelerate our efforts, or we risk falling further behind,” he said.

Sangma, who explored the QR-code-enabled textbooks himself, confessed, “I’ve learned concepts in mathematics and physics through these books that I struggled with as a student.”

Advisor HM Shangpliang described the initiative as a landmark in Meghalaya’s education history. “For years, rural students have struggled with limited resources. These textbooks are personal tutors, enabling them to learn and revisit lessons at their own pace. This innovation isn’t just about access—it’s about equality,” he said.

The QR code project was developed in collaboration with DeltaStep, a platform specializing in digital education solutions. The state government’s partnership with the platform marks a bold step forward in integrating technology into Meghalaya’s educational framework.

The QR Code-Enabled Textbooks are not just a boon for students but also a valuable resource for teachers. By accessing digital content, teachers can refresh their knowledge and enhance their classroom delivery. Sangma urged educators to move beyond rote learning and inspire a deeper understanding of subjects among their students. “It’s not enough to memorize and pass exams—our goal must be to nurture critical thinking and application,” he said.

With Meghalaya’s secondary school pass rates hovering around 51-55% and some rural schools recording zero pass rates, the initiative is seen as a ray of hope. Sangma expressed optimism, saying, “This initiative has the power to change the narrative for our schools. It’s not just about improving results but about transforming lives.”

“Our role goes beyond just earning salaries—we are shaping the future of Meghalaya. Let’s commit ourselves to making a difference in our students’ lives” Sangma said.

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