Challenges in education sector being resolved: CM
Shillong, Oct 29: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said the state government has faced a lot of challenges in the education sector, but they are being resolved now.
“The state has several challenges in the sector but with concerted effort, they are being resolved,” he said while addressing the closing ceremony of silver jubilee celebration of St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Pynursla. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is the local MLA, was also present.
Underlining the priority in reforming the education sector, the Chief Minister pointed out that 15 per cent of the State’s annual budget is accorded to education sector, amounting to Rs 3,654 crore. The allocation is highest among all departments.
He reiterated that the government’s initiative to support non-government schools in expanding their higher secondary sections.
Mentioning that the state has over 14,000 schools supported by 55,000 teachers, he said the government spends nearly Rs 1,000 crore annually on grants to private, ad hoc, and deficit schools.
“We are proud of this investment. Because of it, our education system has grown and evolved, even though we still face challenges such as high dropout rates and low pass percentages,” he said.
Informing on government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure, particularly in rural and border areas such as Pynursla, he said, “We have prioritised education sector to be inclusive and to ensure that it has equitable access”.
Acknowledging the invaluable role of the Salesians of Don Bosco in shaping education in Meghalaya, he remarked, “The Salesians have contributed to our state, our region, and our country like no other congregation.”
On proving support to private schools, he said, “The government will provide financial support ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore to selected schools across the state for upgrading higher secondary section”.
“This scheme is designed to help non-government institutions upgrade their infrastructure and introduce new academic streams,” he said, assuring that St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Pynursla, will be among the first beneficiaries.
Congratulating St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Pynursla for 25 years of dedicated service in imparting quality education, he lauded the institution for its commitment to nurturing students in both academic and moral excellence.
“Today, we celebrate not just 25 years of the Higher Secondary School, but nearly 70 years since the founding of the LP section — a journey of faith, sacrifice, hard work, and commitment,” he said.
Reminding the gathering of an age old Chinese proverb, the Chief Minister reinstated the value of investing in human potential.
“If you want returns in one year, plant flowers. If you want returns in ten years, plant trees. But if you want returns for eternity, plant people”, he said.
Sharing an anecdote about his late father, PA Sangma, the Chief Minister praised the church’s integrity and efficiency in using public funds. He recalled how a mere Rs 5 lakh contribution to a mission school years ago resulted in the construction of a two-story building with 14 classrooms.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, in his address, recalled that St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School was the only higher secondary school in the entire Pynursla region around the year 2000.
“We should all be proud of how far this institution has come,” he said.
The Silver Jubilee programme featured hymns and special performances by the school choir, as well as a felicitation ceremony honoring the jubileans for their dedicated service during the formative years of the Higher Secondary Section.
Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai and Pynursla MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri also attended the programme.
