SHILLONG, March 11: The Opposition on Tuesday grilled the state government over delays in two key educational projects — the Science and Commerce College at Mawphlang and the Balsapara (Mahendraganj) College. The projects not only suffered a lapse of Rs 16.36 crore due to unutilised funds but are also set to begin academic sessions despite incomplete infrastructure.
During the Question Hour of the ongoing budget session, Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma informed the Assembly that the Mawphlang College is 86% complete, with a revised deadline set for March 2025. Meanwhile, work at Balsapara stands at just 66% completion, with the target now extended to March 2026.
The Opposition took issue with the revelation that Rs 16.36 crore lapsed in the 2023-24 fiscal year due to slow civil works at Balsapara. Of the Rs 18.027 crore released in April 2023 as a second instalment, only Rs 1.66 crore was utilised by the implementing agency. Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma sought clarity on whether the lapse was due to the government’s failure to clear contractors’ bills or the contractor’s inability to submit bills corresponding to the work done.
In response, Rakkam admitted that the contractor was “very slow” and failed to execute the work, resulting in unspent funds. He added that the department had issued warnings, and while the contractor cited certain delays, construction has since resumed.
Mukul argued that financial progress must align with physical work, warning that the situation reflected poorly on the government’s ability to oversee crucial infrastructure projects.
Despite the setbacks, the government assured the Assembly that both colleges would commence academic sessions this year. When questioned about the feasibility of starting classes in unfinished buildings — especially at Balsapara, where completion is nearly a year away — Rakkam stated that faculty recruitment had already been advertised, with appointments expected next month.
VPP MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang challenged the logic, pointing out the contradiction between the government’s promise to start classes and the clear projection that Balsapara’s construction would only be completed in 2026.
Stepping in to defend the decision, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma acknowledged the delays but insisted that “even one year is important.” He explained that while construction would continue, the government had decided to start classes in completed portions of the buildings to ensure students did not lose another academic year. “There will be slight inconvenience for one year, but it is better than losing a year altogether,” he added.
The chief minister reiterated that classrooms already built would be fully functional by the time sessions began. He urged all stakeholders to focus on ensuring that the remaining work proceeds without further delays.
The government also confirmed that both colleges would have hostels for boys and girls, staff quarters, and auditoriums, among other facilities. Mukul demanded stronger assurances that all necessary steps would be taken to complete the projects and prevent further disruptions.
