JOWAI, Sep 17: Against the backdrop of the Kiang Nangbah Government College, Jowai, marking its 58th foundation day on Tuesday, which saw Education Minister Rakkam Sanma in attendance, the Jaintia Students’ Movement (JSM) submitted a memorandum detailing the long-standing issues faced by students in the Jaintia Hills region.
Despite raising these concerns for over four years, JSM claims the problems remain unresolved.
The memorandum highlighted the lack of infrastructure at institutions like Kiang Nangbah Government Higher Secondary School, Government Boys Higher Secondary School, and Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Jowai. Key issues include overcrowded classrooms, insufficient manpower, and a poor student-teacher ratio, all of which impact the quality of education. The students also face challenges due to limited access to higher education facilities and the absence of hostels, which forces many to stay in rented accommodations without supervision, negatively affecting their academic performance and behaviour.
The JSM urged the government to address these issues urgently to ensure a conducive learning environment for students in the Jaintia Hills.
The day was marked by a grand celebration held in the college auditorium. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma, Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Lahkmen Rymbui, local MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, and Education Adviser HM Shangpliang.
In his address, Sangma congratulated the college for its 58 years of service and praised its dedication to providing quality education in the region. Highlighting the broader significance of education, he stated that education is not only about academic success or securing government jobs but about empowering individuals to better understand and contribute to society.
He emphasised the role of teachers as the “true architects of society,” responsible for nurturing young minds with knowledge and ethics, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
During the event, the minister, along with other dignitaries, unveiled the ITEP plaque. The college also felicitated PhD holders Dr Sharailyn War Sohlang and Dr Saralyne Kharbhih for their academic achievements. Toppers Naina Limbu in Botany and Mysonity Thoo in Physics were also honoured for their outstanding performance.
