Shillong, Oct 16: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has emphasised on investment on human capital while deliberating on challenges faced by the education sector of Meghalaya.
“Investing in people yields long-term benefits, and nurturing students will provide returns for eternity,” he said quoting a Chinese proverb while addressing the closing ceremony of Platinum Jubilee of Nongkrem Government Upper Primary School in East Khasi Hills on Thursday.
Asserting his government’s holistic approach in making investments in different sectors, he said, “Our government believes, and I as head of the government believe, that the greatest investment is the investment in human capital.”
“All other investments would mean nothing if our human resource investment is not able to develop,” he said.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that Meghalaya is the only state in the entire North East that financially supports private schools.
“We spend Rs 1,967 crore on salaries for our teachers, which includes Rs 684 crore for government school teachers, and Rs 917 crore in salaries for ad hoc teachers and support through grant-in-aid,” he said.
Asserting that no other state of the region provides grant-in-aid to private schools, he said over 4,000 private schools receive grant-in-aid in Meghalaya.
However, he said, the return on these investments is not at the desired level yet but clarified that “Money is not the concern”.
“Where are we going wrong? Why are we not able to raise the standards of our schools?” he wondered, but emphasised that the government is working to improve the learning outcomes.
“As we move along, we shall train our teachers so that they fulfil the criteria to be classified as qualified teachers,” he said while underscoring the importance of teacher training and holistic development.
Explaining the government’s priority on growth of education infrastructure, he said, “Our ongoing initiatives to develop school infrastructure, streamline teacher salaries, and promote sports and educational programmes are all linked to the development of our youth.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister congratulated Nongkrem Government Upper Primary School for its remarkable journey over the past 75 years, acknowledging the contributions of past principals, teachers, and students in shaping the institution.
On the demand for upgradation of the school to Secondary or Higher Secondary level, he informed that the government would require consultations for such a matter, while assuring that the school will be given support for smart classrooms and computer rooms from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
He also informed that musical instruments would be provided to students to encourage engagement in music and the arts. He further told the gathering about his personal connection to Nongkrem and the community, and pledged that the government would continue to support the development and welfare of the area.
Sangma also released the school’s Platinum Jubilee Souvenir on the occasion.
BJ Kharshandi, Director, Directorate of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), in his address, commended the school for maintaining a high standard of education despite its modest enrollment of 128 students and 12 teachers, including the headmaster.
