SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has regretted that the State could not piggy ride on its recognition as a seat of learning even before country’s independence.
“Instead of opening more schools and institutions the State pushed students to go for their studies outside the region which has not benefitted it,” he said, adding that other states in the North East also did the same.
He observed these during his visit to Educere Higher Secondary School in Williamnagar.
He added, “We should look at education as one-time investment, open more schools with quality education and ensure their sustainability.”
The chief minister interacted with Educere founder Principal Gamchi Tamrey R. Marak, teachers, students and parents.
He also inaugurated the extended building of the school, which was constructed under the Chief Minister’s Special Urban Development Fund.
The chief minister was accompanied by the Minister for School Education and Literacy Deborah Marak and Parliamentary Secretaries Brigady Marak, Cherak W. Momin, Sengnam Marak and Marthone J. Sangma, among others, during the visit.
Educere School was established in 1994 with only 100 students with a view to provide quality education with a focus on all-round development of a student during the time when there was a pressing need for a good educational institution in Williamnagar.
The school since then has grown to become one of the leading institutions in the area and produced many competent students, some of whom have even won gold medals in their respective fields of study. The school, which will celebrate its silver jubilee within two years, has been recently upgraded to higher secondary level.
Speaking to the gathering of teachers, students, parents and alumni of the school, the chief minister expressed appreciation to the founder and management of the school for establishing such a self-motivated and vibrant institution despite challenges.
He informed that the State government was focusing on developing the axis from Mairang-Rongjeng-Williamnagar, including the Durama range as a tourism circuit, and as such the government would be making a huge investment in East Garo Hills. He assured the school that they can then expect to be a part of many good things that was going to happen in the region.
Education being the largest job provider, the chief minister also advised the school to look at employing its alumni as he was of the view that past students would be more attached to their alma mater and would be able to give better and more dedicated service.
