Shillong, May 3: To increase the state’s student intake capacity at higher secondary level, 50 schools – both government and private – are being identified to build additional classrooms to introduce higher secondary section.
Informing this on Saturday, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said the building grants for schools will be allocated on a need basis in specific areas.
Besides, the schools will have to fulfil certain criteria on student enrolment, pass percentage records, etc..
“Schools in selected areas that fulfil the criteria set by the government will be eligible for the scheme for a one-time building grant,” Sangma said while inaugurating the four new classrooms of Bidanchi Higher Secondary School, Tura constructed with assistance from Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
He also announced an additional ₹10 lakh to the school for introduction of a higher secondary segment from this academic session.
Sangma lauded the school management for continuing to serve the society despite challenges over the years. He also inaugurated the newly constructed “Active Learning Centre” at Bidanchi School.
The initiative of one-time grant for introducing higher secondary section was taken to ensure that students, who clear their matriculation exams, get the opportunity for higher education, the chief minister said.
The one-time grant for school building construction will be up to ₹50 lakh, he said.
Lauding the Education department for taking a number of steps to support and guide students preparing for the Class X board exam, including CM–IMPACT guide books, he said, “Close to 60,000 students appear in SSLC exam every year, and the pass percentage was roughly 25%, particularly in rural areas. We were not able to nurture the dreams of our students, and this year’s result is very satisfying as most of our students have passed the exam.”
Criticising scepticism over the results, the he said, “There are critics who have different views on this, but as a government and personally, I am extremely happy to see that our children have passed the exam and will take up higher studies.”
Terming investment in the youth as an investment in the future, he said, “The youth of our nation are our greatest strength, our opportunity, and our challenge. Any expenditure on their education is an investment in the future of our state and the country. India’s rise as a global superpower will depend on how we nurture our young generation.”
He also expressed the government’s commitment to improving grassroots education infrastructure and ensuring that every child—regardless of geography—has access to quality and inclusive education. “Our goal is not just to build structures, but to build futures,” he said.
