Shillong, Oct 28: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said that the government is committed to improving school infrastructure in rural areas of the State.
“We have prioritised the education sector to be inclusive and to ensure that it has equitable access,” he said, while addressing the closing ceremony of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of St. Anthony’s School at Pynursla, East Khasi Hills.
Reminding the gathering of an age-old Chinese proverb, the Chief Minister reiterated 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.
Informing that 15 percent of the State’s annual budget is allocated to the education sector, amounting to ₹3,654 crore — the highest among all departments — he said, “The State has several challenges in the sector, but with concerted efforts, they are being resolved. Meghalaya has over 14,000 schools supported by 55,000 teachers, and nearly ₹1,000 crore is spent 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.
On providing 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 sections.”
“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.
Sharing an anecdote about his late father, P. A. Sangma, the Chief Minister praised the Church’s integrity and efficiency in using public funds. He recalled how a mere ₹5 lakh contribution to a mission school years ago resulted in the construction of a two-storey building with 14 classrooms.
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.”
He also extended his gratitude to the Salesian fathers, past and present school leaders, and the teaching and non-teaching staff who have shaped generations of students.
Congratulating the school 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.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who graced the event, commended St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School for completing 25 remarkable years of service in education, describing the milestone as a “moment of pride and gratitude for the entire community.”
Also Read: Conrad describe Pynursla Mini Secretariat as ‘reflection of Govt’s commitment’
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