Clean energy, digital learning initiative reaches over 6,000 across Meghalaya

Shree Cement, GHE & PA Sangma Foundation join hands to transform lives

Shillong, June 29: More than 6,000 people across Meghalaya have benefited from a series of clean energy and digital education initiatives implemented during 2025-26 through a partnership between the Shree Cement Foundation, GHE Foundation and the PA Sangma Foundation.

The programme has covered 22 villages, 400 households and seven schools, expanding access to sustainable energy while strengthening digital learning infrastructure in underserved communities.

The villages covered under the project include Daji Ronkuagre, Teksakgre, Satiloggre, Chibegre, Tainang Karugitim, Rongbingre, Rongjigre, Debragre, Watregre, Damet Rongsagre, Mon Dobu, Mon Dobakol, Mandalgre, Bandigre, Ampanggre, Bansinggre Songmong, Sindapara, Ganchi Rongdegre, Buchigre, Jinggampara, Naronggre Songgitcham and Rabonggre, spread across the Chokpot, Rongram, Baghmara, Songsak, Samanda, Dadenggre, Demdema, Zikzak and Raksamgre blocks.

Together, the project has reached 400 households.

The clean energy component provided solar village electrification to 250 households and rooftop solar systems with electric cooking solutions to another 150 households.

Overall, the initiative has installed approximately 430 kW of distributed solar capacity, comprising 400 kW across households and 30 kW in schools. Each beneficiary household has been equipped with a 1 kW rooftop solar system, enabling reliable electricity access while promoting clean energy adoption.

According to the project partners, the interventions have enabled more than 2,000 people to access reliable electricity, reducing dependence on kerosene and traditional biomass fuels while promoting cleaner and more sustainable living.

In the education sector, seven solar-powered smart classrooms have been established, benefiting 2,978 students and 117 teachers by integrating renewable energy with digital learning tools. The initiative is aimed at improving classroom engagement and creating a more technology-enabled learning environment in schools.

Highlighting the impact of the initiative, the Principal of Stephen Memorial Higher Secondary School, Tura, said the solar-powered digital classrooms have helped students learn better and have brightened their future.

Students also welcomed the initiative. Nonanchi M. Marak of Kherapara Secondary School in West Garo Hills said the free computers and training had equipped students with valuable basic computer skills that would support their education.

Samraphui M. Sangma of New Tura Christian School added that learning applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel had made digital education more engaging and practical.

The benefits have extended beyond classrooms. Britson Sangma of Dobagre village in South Garo Hills said dependable electricity has transformed daily life by replacing kerosene lamps, allowing families to charge mobile phones at home and improving cooking conditions. He added that training provided under the project had equipped local youth to maintain the systems, creating confidence and new opportunities for the community.

In East Garo Hills, Albina M. Sangma of Bansingre village said the rooftop solar system and electric pressure cooker had reduced the burden of collecting firewood, eliminated smoke inside the home and allowed children to study at night under reliable lighting.

Another beneficiary, Keballin R. Marak, said electricity had significantly improved daily life, as families no longer needed to travel to neighbouring villages to charge mobile phones and now enjoy reliable lighting every evening.

According to the project partners, long-term sustainability has been built into the programme through the formation of community maintenance committees and the training of local technicians to manage the installed systems.

Encouraged by the outcomes, the partnership plans to expand the initiative by providing solar electrification to 100 additional households, establishing five STEM laboratories and setting up three more digital education labs in schools across Meghalaya during the next phase.

Also Read: Meghalaya Govt rejects Rs 200 Cr interest-free loan proposal for USTM medical college: Shylla

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