From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, May 30: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Saturday inaugurated the Rilang College at Mawsaw village in South West Khasi Hills and announced that a new C&RD Block will be established in the Shiliang Um Rilang area by early next year.
The college is an initiative of the Rilang Education Society (RES).
Speaking at the inaugural function, Dhar commended Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L. Tongkhar for his vision and persistence in establishing the institution.
He also expressed gratitude to the Iawphniaw Clan for donating the land and to local leaders for their sponsorship.
Addressing the state’s high student dropout rate at the secondary and higher secondary levels, Dhar noted that many rural parents cannot afford to send their children to distant urban centres.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the government is prioritising local access to education to combat this trend.
He expressed hope that the college will grow to produce doctors, engineers, lawyers and civil servants from the Shiliang Um Rilang area.
Responding to a request from the sponsoring body to grant the institution ‘People’s College’ status, the deputy chief minister stated that proper procedures must be followed before such a transition can occur.
However, he announced a personal contribution of Rs 5 lakh to the college and promised to coordinate with the local MLA to secure a scheme for fencing the entire campus.
Other speakers included Renikton L. Tongkhar, who serves as the president of the governing body; South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner AI Mawlong; Hills Farmer Union president Commander Shangpliang and representatives of the Iawphniaw Clan.
