Changlang Shiksha Samvaad in Arunachal brings officials and schools to discuss education reform

The inaugural Changlang Shiksha Samvaad was held in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, bringing together government officials, teachers, community representatives and civil society organisations. The meeting focused on collective action to improve education outcomes across the district.

Organisers said the programme was hosted by the India Foundation for Education Transformation (IFET) with the Bethel Life Care Charitable Trust. It took place under the Shikshagraha movement’s flagship dialogue platform, Shiksha Samvaad. Changlang Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sah attended as chief guest, while Deputy Director of School Education Rajiv Lamdok was the guest of honour.

Leadership talks and focus on classroom changes

A leadership conversation between the deputy commissioner and the deputy director covered how education plans can align better across the system. They discussed collaborative governance, empowered schools, community participation and shared accountability. The officials also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating an enabling environment for quality education.

The event included interactive “Experience Zones” that highlighted children’s aspirations and stories of school transformation. Participants also reviewed examples of how schools and communities in Changlang have worked together for education improvement.

Panel discussions and school performances

Two panel discussions were held. The first, titled “Partners in Education Transformation”, included civil society leaders and focused on trust and shared ownership, especially for schools in underserved and remote areas. The second panel, “Strengthening Alignment and Collective Accountability: Voices from the Education Ecosystem”, brought together Block Resource Centre Coordinators, school leaders, teachers and School Management Committee representatives. It focused on how policy can be translated into classroom practice through instructional leadership, teacher empowerment and coordinated community engagement.

Students from Government Upper Primary School, Jyotipur, and Government Upper Primary School, Jyotsanpur, performed cultural programmes through dance and musical theatre. The Samvaad concluded with a reflection exercise where participants recorded one key insight, one action they will take, and one personal commitment towards improving learning outcomes.