Tura, July 7: Eligible schools in West Garo Hills will be receiving rainwater harvesting systems and ramps with handrails by August as part of the Meghalaya government’s latest push to strengthen school infrastructure.
Around 400 government Lower and Upper Primary schools and SSA schools will be benefitting from this initiative.
The Office of the District Mission Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha, West Garo Hills, has directed all eligible schools to begin the works immediately following approval under the Project Approval Board (PAB) 2026-27. The projects are scheduled to be completed by August 2026.
Heads of Schools, Junior Engineers and Cluster Resource Coordinators have been directed to closely monitor the quality and timely execution of the works.
Schools will also have to submit monthly physical and financial progress reports, along with photographs taken before, during and after completion of the projects.
Upon completion, certified completion certificates, expenditure statements, bills, vouchers and bank account details will have to be submitted for the release of payments.
The initiative aims to make schools more accessible for children with disabilities while promoting sustainable water conservation. Rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, including gutters, downpipes, filtration units and storage or recharge facilities, will be installed, while ramps with handrails will be constructed in accordance with prescribed barrier-free accessibility norms to ensure easier access to classrooms.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has repeatedly underscored the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure. “Our aim is to ensure that every child studies in a school with better infrastructure, improved facilities and a conducive learning environment. We are making sustained investments to transform government schools across Meghalaya,” the chief minister said.
