Govt to support community colleges

SHILLONG: The state government is planning to support community colleges with an aim to develop self-reliant educational institutions, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said on Saturday.
Addressing a gathering of students and teachers of Tirot Sing Memorial College at Mairang on Friday, Sangma said, “The community as a stakeholder will play a vital role in running the institutions and the government will act as a facilitator and regulator. We want to ensure that Meghalaya has self-sufficient and self-reliant institutions.”
Sangma,who was attending the closing ceremony of the college week, also said the educational sector of the state should be a brand in itself and attract students from various parts of the country, thereby paving the way for the future growth and prosperity of the state.
Earlier, Principal PR Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi submitted a memorandum to the chief minister. Sangma stressed on education that can provide the youth job opportunities.
Eco resort
Sangma laid the foundation stone for an eco resort at the Krem Tirot Festival at Madan Bir, Nongkhlaw on Friday.The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Kennedy C Khyriem, MLA of Mairang constituency Metbah Lyngdoh. He also informed that a project called the Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Centre at Nongkhlaw has already been sanctioned by the Government, however the process of tendering and work allotment is yet to be done.
 “Opportunity for all through sustainable tourism is the agenda of Government,” he said.
“Our traditional way of life and vibrant culture are our strengths which can add value to various products in the tourism sector and is looking forward to see that Nongkhlaw acts as a catalysed in promoting Meghalaya as one of the most favoured destinations,” he added.
The Syiem of Hima Nongklaw, Pa’iem Phrestar Manik Syiemlieh also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister during the occasion.