By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 27: The state government on Saturday expressed confidence to achieve a cent percent literacy rate by 2028.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong made this statement while addressing the 22nd Meritorious Award for Students, 2025, organised by the Raid Laban Sports, Social & Cultural Organisation at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, State Central Library, Shillong.
This was the 22nd consecutive year that the organisation honoured meritorious students from the South Shillong constituency under the leadership of MLA and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai.
The deputy chief minister maintained that with such motivation given to students, Meghalaya is on track to achieve full literacy within three years.
He also appealed to parents not to shift their educational responsibilities onto others but to take an active role in guiding their children. While lauding the initiative, he voiced regret that some people continue to criticise government efforts aimed at improving the state.
He remarked that Shullai’s induction into the MDA II ministry was well deserved, since his service extended beyond his constituency to the entire state. Tynsong further admitted that he himself lacked such constituency-level initiatives and emphasised the importance of following Shullai’s example in encouraging youth.
In his address, Shullai noted that this was the 22nd consecutive year of hosting the felicitation ceremony and reaffirmed his commitment to inspire the youth of his constituency. He urged students to stay away from drugs, warning that addiction would derail their future.
The programme felicitated 444 students for academic excellence across different levels, including SSLC, HSSLC and higher studies, with special recognition given to students from BPL families.
The organisation also awarded laptops and other gifts to toppers, while the rest received momentos and tokens of encouragement.
The programme was attended by principals and teachers of schools within the constituency, traditional leaders and parents of the awardees.
