By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 21: In response to criticism over the dilapidated condition of Government LP Schools in Garo Hills, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma has urged Leader of the Opposition, Mukul Sangma to take the lead in renovating the schools using his MLA Scheme funds, instead of merely blaming the Government.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Rakkam Sangma said Mukul Sangma should tour the region more extensively and witness firsthand the condition of the schools, many of which were left unrepaired even during his eight-year tenure as Chief Minister.
“During his stint as CM, no new Government LP School was constructed, and nobody cared,” he remarked.
The minister revealed that there are around 14,000 Government LP Schools across the state in need of renovation, out of which the current dispensation has managed to renovate around 3,000 to 4,000 schools so far.
Citing his own initiative of renovating 14 to 15 schools at a cost of Rs 2 lakh each in his constituency, Rakkam Sangma said that all MLAs should try to renovate at least 15 to 16 schools, and this effort should begin with Mukul Sangma. “He should practice what he preaches,” he said, while admitting that nearly 50 per cent of the 14,000-odd schools require renovation.