New classrooms inaugurated at Ri Bhoi Synod College, Umsaitsning
Shillong, Nov 11: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has reiterated the challenge of multiple categories of schools, which ultimately affect the students.
There are 206 schools and zero enrollment and 2,269 schools with single digit enrolment, he said while emphasising the need for amalgamation of these schools.
“While we try to solve those problems (multiple categories of schools), we lose focus of the child and what is important for the child,” the Chief Minister said while inaugurating new classrooms at Ri Bhoi Synod College, Umsaitsning.
“There is a huge challenge front of us to rationalise schools and the different categories of schools and also rationalisation of teachers without hampering their livelihoods,” he said.
Explaining the complexity of multiple categorisation of schools, he said, “How can a structured education system and focussed programme be given to a child when the parents and the child have to go through different systems and different schools?”
Referring to higher levels of education and colleges, the Chief Minister said the government spends about Rs 120 crore in giving salaries to private colleges.
In terms of investments in Education, he said, the state government supports 4,172 private schools aiding 65% salaries of teachers of private schools.
“While our numbers in terms of government supporting private schools and colleges surpass all other North Eastern states yet the results are not as expected,” he said.
Most of these colleges are centred in Shillong, he said while underlining the need for colleges in rural areas.
He also shared a concept of 23 People’s Colleges across the state, especially in areas where there are no colleges and at the grassroots level.
Underlining investment in human capital, he said, “Investment in roads, buildings and infrastructures become meaningless without investing in human capital.”
To enable the youth to grow and compete at the highest level the right guidance and nurturing needs to be given to them, he said.
Announcing a grant of Rs 23.72 lakh for the school, he said, “I am happy to fund this college under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund since this college is serving the people and students playing a very pivotal role in imparting education to the students in and around this area.”
Community & Rural Development Minister Sosthenes Sohtun and Umsning MLA Dr C Lyngdoh were present among others on the occasion.
