Rakkam under fire over delays in Mawphlang College work

SHILLONG, Aug 27: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Mawphlang Unit has expressed disappointment over the failure of Education Minister Rakkam Sangma to fulfill his promise of completing the construction of the science and commerce stream buildings at Mawphlang College. The KSU Mawphlang Unit, led by its general secretary Baniengskhem Kharbani, inspected the construction site and found that the buildings were far from being completed.
Speaking to reporters, Kharbani stated that the Education minister had assured them that the buildings would be inaugurated by July this year, with admissions to the science and commerce streams to follow immediately. However, the construction remains unfinished, and Kharbani noted that only a few labourers were present at the site, indicating a lack of seriousness on the part of the government.
“We have been misled by the Education minister,” Kharbani said, expressing frustration over the delays. He warned that the KSU Mawphlang Unit would consider taking drastic steps to pressure the government to expedite the construction.
Emphasising the importance of the project, Kharbani said that the introduction of commerce and science streams at Mawphlang College is a long-cherished dream for the local community. Many parents in the area cannot afford to send their children to private colleges in Shillong, making the completion of these buildings crucial for the education of local students.
The foundation stone for the construction of the buildings was laid by former Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on August 24, 2017. The Hima Mawphlang had generously donated 20 acres of land for the project. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) had approved Rs 36.55 crore from the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) with a 90:10 funding pattern for the construction.
The final tender order was released on October 10, 2017, with construction expected to begin on September 17, 2019, and be completed within 18 months.
Despite these commitments, the project remains unfinished, lamented the Union.