Shillong, July 2: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the newly constructed Boarding Building at Pine Mount School in the presence of Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, fulfilling a promise he had made to students nearly three years ago. Pine Mount School is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious girls’ boarding schools in Shillong, and the upgrade marks a significant milestone in the institution’s infrastructure.
The inauguration brought back memories of the Chief Minister’s visit to the school in October 2022, when students had raised concerns about poor hostel conditions, including leaking roofs, damaged floors, and unsafe living spaces.
“When I visited the school in 2022, I interacted with the students and saw firsthand the difficulties they were going through. The condition of the hostel was not just uncomfortable, but it affected their overall well-being and learning environment,” Sangma said.
Following that visit, the Chief Minister had directed immediate intervention and assured students that the boarding facilities would be rebuilt. Returning to the campus on Wednesday, he expressed satisfaction at seeing that promise realized. “It gives me great satisfaction to be back at Pine Mount School today to inaugurate this new Boarding Building, dedicated to the boarders and students of this esteemed institution. Sometimes, a simple interaction can lead to meaningful change,” he said.
The new facility offers boarders a safe, hygienic, and modern living space.
The Chief Minister noted it was especially heartening to meet many of the same students he had spoken with in 2022 and to witness their excitement at moving into the new building. “These are the same children who had shared their concerns with me earlier. Today, they have a space that reflects dignity, comfort, and care,” he added.
Underlining the government’s broader commitment to education, Sangma said infrastructure improvements are key to better learning outcomes, but stressed that such change requires sustained effort. “Change takes time, but what is important is that we act when we see a need,” he said.
“She Thrives” Initiative Launched
During the event, the Chief Minister also launched “She Thrives,” a sanitary pad vending machine initiative aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and dignity among girl students. He said the programme would be rolled out gradually across the state to ensure every girl has access to basic hygiene facilities. “It is not just about providing sanitary pads or facilities, it is about changing mindsets… about ensuring that young girls feel confident, supported, and are not held back by challenges that can and should be addressed,” he said.
On Jobs and Entrepreneurship
In an interactive session with students, the Chief Minister fielded questions on employment prospects for the younger generation. He acknowledged that government jobs remain limited relative to the number of youth entering the workforce each year, and pointed to entrepreneurship, innovation, and private enterprise as the way forward. He said the state government is investing in tourism, IT, agriculture, and food processing to create employment opportunities and support young entrepreneurs.
Encouraging students to look beyond conventional career paths, Sangma urged them to identify problems in their communities and build solutions around them. “Look at the opportunities around you, understand the problems in your communities, and think of ways to solve them. That is where true growth lies,” he said.
