Authors : Dr. Edelbert B. Majaw; Ibashisha Khymdeit

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4vcbnnyk

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yv8deur8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1420

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : The present study, titled A Brief Study on Eri Silk Production as a Vocational Education in Secondary School in Umden Village, examines the relevance, status, and potential of integrating Eri Silk production into secondary-level vocational education. Eri Silk, locally associated with the traditional craft of Ryndia, is an important cultural and economic activity in Umden Village, Meghalaya. The study adopted a descriptive research design and collected data from students, teachers, and principals through self-developed questionnaires. The major objectives were to study the present status of vocational education in secondary schools, examine the impact of Eri Silk production on the local community, advocate its inclusion in vocational education, and suggest measures for improvement. The findings reveal that vocational education is considered important by most students and teachers, although its implementation in schools remains partial and faces several challenges. These include lack of trained teachers, limited resources, low student participation, inadequate awareness, and insufficient government support. The study also shows that Eri Silk production contributes to preserving traditional skills, supporting livelihood opportunities, strengthening the local economy, and promoting sustainable practices. Respondents generally supported the inclusion of Eri Silk production in the school curriculum, especially through practical training, workshops, field visits, and collaboration with local silk weavers and industry experts. The study concludes that integrating Eri Silk production into vocational education can help students acquire job-oriented skills, develop respect for local heritage, encourage entrepreneurship, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Umden Village.

Keywords : Eri Silk Production; Vocational Education; Secondary School; Umden Village; Traditional Craft; Skill Development; Sustainable Livelihood; Rural Education; Cultural Heritage; Entrepreneurship.

References :

1. Agrawal, T. (2012). Vocational education and training in India: Challenges, status and labour market outcomes. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 64(4), 453- 474. https://www.tandfonline.com /doi/abs/10.1080/13636820.2012.727851
2. Ahmed, O, M, M. (2021). Vocational Training Centers and Their Development through         Contemporary Design Trends. Art and Architecture Journal, 2(2), 43-70. https://aaj.journals.ekb.eg/
3. Bagla, M. (2025). Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Education: Bridging Gaps Through Innovation. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR), 7(1). Website: www.ijfmr.com
4. Chanda, T, C. (2023). Challenges of Teaching Vocational Subjects in Rural Schools: A Case of Kalabo District in Western Province, Zambia. International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science, 5(8), 2107-2114. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374447981-Challenges-of-Teaching-Vocational-Subjects-in-Rural-Schools-A-Case-of-Kalabo-District-in-Western-Province-Zambia
5. Diengdoh .D.R (2017) “ A study of women workers in eri silk handloom industry in ri-bhoi district of Meghalaya   North-Eastern Hill University. Central for Adult and cont. Education Shodhganga. http://hdl. handle. Net/ 10603/250798
6. Ho, V.-T., Tran, H.-H., Nguyen, V.-D., & Nguyen, V.-T. (2023). Investigating and implementing a student vocational education model for educational innovation. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 10(2), 194-200. 10.20448/jeelr.v10i2.4516
7. Katoch, S., Singh, T. (2024). Challenges And Opportunities In Indian Vocational Education And Training. International Journal Of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 12(11). www.ijcrt.org
8. Kumar, R., Mandava, V., & Gopanalli, V. (2019). Vocational training in India: determinants   of participation and effect on wages. Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training. https://ervet-journal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40461-019-0078-y
9. Lensjo, M. (2024). Vocational Teachers’ craft Knowledge and Working-life Experiences in Building and Construction: a Embodied and Tacit learning. Vocations and Learning > Article, 17,333-350. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12186-024-09344-3
10. Mech, D., Handique, P., & Barman, H. (2010). Training Needs of Rural Women in Era Culture in Assam Province. Global Journal of Human Social Science, 10 (7), 5-8.https://globaljournals.org
11. Mehrotra, S., Raman, R., Kalaiyarasan & Kumar, N. (2014). Vocational Education and training Training Reform in India: Learning from good practices at home and abroad.
12. Narzary, P., Brahma, D., Sarma, J., & Rajkhowa, A. (2024). Study on the Challenges Encountered by Eri Silkworm Rearers in Tapioca Cultivation and Eri Rearing in Udalguri District of Assam. Journal of Scientific Researcher and Reports, 30(6), 183-190. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380289731-Study-on-the-Challenges-Encountered-by-Eri-Silkworm-Rearers-in-Tapioca-Cultivation-and-Eri-Rearing-in-Udalguri-District-of-Assam
13. Ramasamy, M., Pilz, M. (2020). Vocational Training for Rural Populations: A Demand-Driven Approach and its Implication in India. International  Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training, 7(3), 256-277. https://doi.org/10.13152/IJRVET.7.3.1
14. Sarmah, P., Basumatary, P.,& Debnath, P. (2023) Livelihood security of rural youth through   traditional and scientific method of Eri Silk worm rearing in Kokrajhar district of Assam. The  Pharma Innovation Journal, 12(2), 3241-3251. https://www.thepharmajournal.com
15. Sharma, J .(2016).  Study of status and problems faced by the school under the directorate of education Delhi in implementing the vocational education at plus 2 Level. Jamia Milia Islamia University. Department of Educational Studies Shodhganga. http:// handle. net/ 10603/209265
16. Srivastava, A. (2021). NEP challenges for implementing Vocational Education. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/nep-challenges-implementing-vocational-education-dr-aniket-srivastava
17. Tenzin, C. (2021) A study of Tibetan vocational training centres in India. Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Department of Education-CASE Shodhganga. http://hdl.handle.net/10603/380916
18. Vollmann, W. (2013) The challenges of Technical and Vocational Training and Education in          Rural Areas: the case of South-Asia. Journal of Education and Research 2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270127014-The-Challenges-of-Technical-and-Vocational-Training-and-Education-in-Rural-Areas-the-Case-of-South-Asia
19. Wen, F., Xu, T., & Dang, X. (2024). Research on the Integration of Cultivation of Craftsmanship in Vocational Education and Online Platforms in the Context of the New Era. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9(1), 1-16. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382430043-Research-on-the-Integration-of-Cultivation-of-Craftsmanship-in-Vocational-Education-and-Online-Platforms-in-the-context-of-the-New-Era
20. Wani, M, A., Geelani, S , Z, A., & Basu,N. (2024). Contextualizing the Role of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) towards Vocational Education in Kashmir in the Light of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020- A Perspective towards Kashmir Handicrafts. NIFT Journal Of Fashion,3