SHILLONG, Dec 20: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a new foundational-stage curriculum making the teaching of Khasi or Garo mandatory for children up to Class 1, a move aimed at simplifying early learning and strengthening cultural identity among young students.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who chaired the Cabinet meeting on Friday, said the initiative seeks to instil confidence and a sense of belonging from the foundational years. “Children must grow with confidence and a sense of belonging. Learning our own languages early helps that,” he said.

Officials said the new textbooks will be introduced on an optional basis in the coming academic year, as many schools have already finalised their syllabi, and will become compulsory from the following session. The foundational curriculum, covering preschool to Class 1, will focus on ease of learning, basic values, and early exposure to Meghalaya’s history and traditions.

The Cabinet also approved a revised pay structure for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and ad hoc teachers, addressing a long-pending demand. The Chief Minister termed the decision a recognition of their contribution and a step towards stability in the education system.

In other decisions, the Cabinet cleared a five-year Mission Mode HIV/AIDS project with an outlay of ₹25 crore, focusing on awareness, infrastructure development and targeted interventions. It also approved amendments to the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2021, making green building certification mandatory for large constructions.

Former Meghalaya High Court Chief Justice S. Vaidyanathan was appointed chairperson of the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission. The Cabinet further approved the creation of the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Investment Financing Cooperative Society Ltd to support cooperative societies, agriculture and food processing sectors, and cleared the formation of a National Games Secretariat Society to organise the 39th National Games.