SHILLONG: Assembly Speaker Donkupar Roy has expressed his concern that many schools in the state do not have a proper building.
Speaking at a gathering while inaugurating the new school building of Laban Bengalee Girls’ Higher Secondary School here on Monday, Roy said, “It is really unfortunate that many schools are functioning without a proper building. I am of the strong view that the government should find ways to see that schools across the state are given the required support to have a proper building.”
While lauding the school management, Roy said the school has made “enormous contributions” to the growth of education in Meghalaya right from the time of its inception.
The 110-year-old establishment completed its transformation that started in 2009 with the formation of a building committee.
Another facet was added to the Assam-type structure, which had hitherto been the identity of the school, with the inauguration of the RCC building, the construction of which started in 2014.
SK Chattopadhyay, the president of the managing committee, in an emotional speech, thanked all stakeholders, including those in the government, for making the dream a reality. “Faith brings victory,” he said and added that the building was completed at a cost of Rs 1.66 crore.
Chattopadhyay laid emphasis on the need for starting a science section in the school so that “students do not have to go out to pursue the subject”.
The programme was held in the newly constructed hall, for which Chattopadhyay suggested the name Centenary Hall.
Earlier, principal secretary of education DP Wahlang said the funds for construction of the new building were earmarked under Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources about 10 years ago.
On the high percentage of school dropouts in the state, he urged upon parents that they should see that their children complete education.
Former Chief Secretary Rajan Chatterjee, who was among the dignitaries, stressed the need for overall education, including awareness on environment safety.
Principal Sudipta Hore pointed out that during the centenary celebration of the school in 2008, Roy was present as the chief minister of the state. She expressed her gratitude to Roy and all who extended their support for the expansion of the school despite various hurdles, the most important being space constraint.
A souvenir, Rupantor-II (The Transformation), was released by the guests. The magazine was started in 2008.
Pratima Ghose, who was pivotal in starting the higher secondary section, recently passed away.
