Mendipathar, Nov 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday said the government is spending over Rs. 2000 crore annually for the education sector, but it isn’t enough.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of Mendipathar College, the oldest and only College in North Garo Hills, the Chief Minister said one of the highest percentage of expenditure goes towards the education sector. He informed that this year alone the government has sanctioned Rs. 100 crore for improving the overall infrastructure in about 200 Government LP Schools, which were lying in dilapidated condition.

Mendipathar College in #NorthGaroHills District has been doing an exceptional work in serving the underserved communities in the area through a teaching fraternity that is committed to the future of its students. I’m glad to be part of its Golden Jubilee Celebrations@dpradhanbjp pic.twitter.com/dnkg69lbvu

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 17, 2021

He further informed that the Government is identifying 300 additional schools that will be taken up for improvement and the funds are being mobilised for the same.

He also took the opportunity to remind people that “prior to the 2018 election, I pledged to the people of the State that given an opportunity, we will work toward prioritizing education. And as vowed, soon after we took over, we formalised the State Education Policy and have been working to fulfil the mandate to streamline the education sector.”

Provincialisation of Mendipathar College

Talking about the Mendipathar College, he assured that the government will examine possible ways forward to extend support to the only college in North Garo Hills.

On the demand for provincialisation of Mendipathar College, he said, “We will examine it. We will find the way on how we could create the right environment and right support for North Garo Hills in particular and Garo Hills region in general.”

On the occasion, he also released the souvenir of 50 years journey of Mendipathar College.

Released the College Souvenir to mark the College’s milestone. Despite the challenges it faced when it started out, I’m happy to see where the College has reached. I am confident that it will continue to leave its mark & serve as a blessing to the students of North Garo Hills. pic.twitter.com/SqFfQO0zgT

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 17, 2021

Streamline the education sector

Also speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said that despite challenges the Government has been working to streamline the education sector with the objective to address the concerns and welfare of teachers and students.He also informed that the MDA Government has taken steps to regularise employment opportunities for the teachers and this year 1300 teachers were recruited in permanent  posts.

He further informed that scholarships for students has been increased to Rs. 15,000 depending on grades and categories as well as merit scholarship which was Rs. 60 per month has been increased to Rs. 600 per month.

“We are trying to improve the overall sector to ensure that the learning experience for our students is improved,” he added.