From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH: “Make education accessible to the poor,” reads one of the placards put up by a student protesting against the indifferent attitude of the State Government towards the demand for setting up of a Government College in Ri-Bhoi district.
The student was one among those who participated in the sit-in- demonstration organised by the Ri Bhoi Students’ Union (RBSU) at Nongthymmai, Umsning, about 25 from here on Tuesday.
Around 70 people including RBSU leaders, school students and women folks took part in the demonstration.
While another placard mocked at the State Education Minister Dr RC Laloo for his indifferent attitude towards the demand of the RBSU and it reads, “Dr. RC Laloo, do not insult your intelligence.”
Students residing in and around Umsning areas who desire to pursue higher studies beyond HSSLC do not have any proper and affordable institution where they can get themselves enrolled.
It may be recalled here that Laloo recently responded to the memorandum submitted by the RBSU saying that the demand for setting up a Government College cannot be met at this juncture due to shortage of fund.
Speaking to this scribe, the school students said they want to pursue higher studies after they complete their HSSLC, but for some of them it will not be possible as their parents cannot afford to send them to Nongpoh or Shillong. One of the school students bemoaned, “Higher studies is still for the rich and not for us who are poor.”
Another student questioned if the Government can give Rs 10 crore each for creation of new district why can not it spare some lakhs for creating a Government College in Ri-Bhoi District.
Meanwhile, RBSU vice president Shamborlang Diengdoh said his organization would hold a public meeting in each and every village in and around Umsning as to sensitise public on their demands.
