By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 15: Meghalaya has emerged as the second fastest-growing economy in the country after Tamil Nadu, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 10 per cent over the past three years, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on Wednesday.
He made the statement while inaugurating the Nongkharai Presbyterian Higher Secondary School at Umsohpieng, where he served as chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the CM said that the state’s consistent growth reflects years of investment in welfare, infrastructure, and human resource development.
He underlined the Government’s continued focus on education, revealing that Rs 3,654 crore has been allocated to the sector, apart from grants-in-aid and additional support to schools and institutions.
Sangma spoke at length about reforms designed to strengthen the education system, including the introduction of a structured salary framework for ad hoc and SSA teachers, which he said would build a more resilient academic foundation for the next two decades.
He urged teachers, parents, and community leaders to guide young people towards meaningful pursuits through sports, music, entrepreneurship, and community service.
In a gesture to support creative learning, the Chief Minister announced a contribution from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant Fund for the purchase of musical instruments for students of Sijun Memorial School and Nongkharai Presbyterian Higher Secondary School. He noted that music not only enriches culture but also aids in cognitive development and creativity.
Congratulating the school’s managing committee, staff, parents, and students, Sangma commended their shared commitment to educational excellence.
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Methodius Dkhar, described the new school building as a milestone for the local community.
He recalled the contributions of former leaders, including the late DD Lapang and PA Sangma, whose vision, he said, had laid the foundation for such progress.
Earlier, Rev A Nongbri, president of the School Managing Committee, welcomed the guests and reiterated the school’s mission to provide quality education that fosters both academic and moral development.
Secretary Rev SB Lyngdoh outlined the school’s journey from its modest beginnings to its present expansion, highlighting recent government support and plans for further development, including new hostels—particularly for girls—RCC fencing, and additional teaching staff.
