NONGSTOIN, Nov 7: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said the government has been trying to ensure the best education for the youngsters in the state despite challenges in the sector.
“If we are able to create the right policies and are committed to achieving our goals, we may take time but will surely be able to make Meghalaya a shining example of how education should be imparted to the youngsters,” he said while addressing the golden jubilee celebration of St. Thomas Higher Secondary School at Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills district.
He said Meghalaya aims to be one of the best states in the country with education accorded top priority.
“Education is not an easy sector. The challenges we face are numerous. It will take time for a turnaround but we will continue to focus on improving the sector in cities, towns and rural areas,” he added.
Stating that Meghalaya was at the bottom of the sectoral rankings in 2018, Sangma said the state’s growth story is now being acknowledged at the national and international levels. “The state was at the bottom of the vaccination and immunisation list in 2018 but in four years, we have jumped to the second spot from the 27th. We are committed to bringing change and it is being reflected in all sectors today — be it tourism, health and entrepreneurship,” he added.
During his visit to Mairang, the chief minister laid the foundation for a gallery at the St. Thomas football ground and felicitated meritorious students of the school. He also inaugurated a computer laboratory of Mairang Presbyterian Science College sanctioned under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF) at a cost of Rs 6.77 lakh.
“The funds allotted to the college have been judiciously utilised through the provision of the computers, which will add to the learning of the students,” Sangma said, lauding the institution.
He said institutions like Mairang Presbyterian Science College are contributing to the state by ensuring that the positive energy of the youth is being tapped to the maximum.
He also attended the closing ceremony of the college week of Khadsawphra College in Mairang. “Khadsawphra College has the potential of being one of the best with its dedication to the future of the youth of the area. Encourage them to adopt a mission and vision-oriented approach in the pursuit of their goals,” he said, urging the students to be punctual always.
Sangma also inaugurated the extension building and the buses of Khadsawphra College besides announcing Rs 20 lakh from the CMSDF for the completion of the extension building.