Shillong, Feb 13: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Samanda, Rikwarenggre in East Garo Hills district, marking the formal start of its academic session and strengthening residential education for tribal students in the region.

The new campus, designed to provide quality CBSE-based education to Scheduled Tribe students from remote areas, was opened in the presence of Housing, PHE and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Marcuise N. Marak and other senior officials.

The inauguration ceremony featured a traditional Wangala troupe escort for the chief guest and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, attended by students, parents and community leaders.

Calling the occasion “memorable and gratifying,” the Chief Minister said the school represents another significant addition to the state’s education infrastructure. Recalling the vision of late P. A. Sangma and his commitment to education, he said ongoing reforms in the sector have made the moment particularly meaningful.

“Education is the biggest agent of change and the biggest development for a nation, state and society,” Sangma said, underlining the government’s continued investment in quality schools and colleges.

Highlighting reforms since 2018, he stated that nearly 80 per cent of LP and UP schools in Meghalaya have either been renovated or provided new buildings where required. He added that the MBOSE syllabus has been upgraded, the examination system streamlined, and the introduction of CM Impact Books for Class X students contributed to a 96 per cent pass percentage in last year’s SSLC examinations.

Sangma also announced that the government will extend renovation efforts to Ad Hoc, SSA and deficit schools, and said the pay structure of SSA teachers has been finalised. Stressing the need for a supportive ecosystem, he said a secure and conducive environment must be ensured for both students and teachers.
Informing that Meghalaya now has 38 EMRS schools, he expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Prime Minister for continued support.

Responding to requests from school authorities, he announced funding for 20 computers under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund and assured that telecom connectivity issues would be taken up with the concerned authorities. He also directed the PHE Minister to follow up on improving the water supply to the campus.

In his keynote address, Dr M. Nandagopal, Principal of EMRS Samanda, said the Eklavya Model Residential School scheme, launched in 1997–98 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to provide quality residential education to tribal students in remote areas. Each school is designed to accommodate around 480 students and is equipped with science and computer laboratories and libraries.

He said the Samanda EMRS is currently functioning up to Class VIII with 130 students, with 50 more admissions scheduled this month.

Enrolment is expected to rise to 220 next academic session and will gradually expand to full capacity. The school follows the CBSE curriculum to ensure academic competitiveness.

Marcuise N. Marak thanked the A’king Nokma for donating land for the institution and said the school would benefit students from Samanda and adjoining areas. He emphasised the importance of preserving local languages such as Garo, Khasi and Jaintia, while encouraging students to learn Hindi and strengthen communication skills.

East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner R. P. Marak delivered the welcome address, while Samar Dey, Joint DSEL, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with musical and cultural performances by students of EMRS, JNV Williamnagar and Do’kua CLF.

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