By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 19: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has expressed concern over the low enrolment in several government schools within the Amlarem Sub-Division in West Jaintia Hills district.
Speaking at the silver jubilee celebration of Mang Hai Ryum Higher Secondary School, Amlarem on Saturday, Rymbui who is also the local MLA urged community leaders to take greater responsibility in supporting educational reforms and strengthening local institutions.
While lauding the school’s founder, (L) Aiom Pyngngad Pamthied, and her family for their humility and dedication, the Education Minister said that if even 10 per cent of the 55,000 teachers in Meghalaya shared the same vision and mission, the state’s education system would be transformed.
He further highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to restructure the teaching cadre into two categories — Grant-in-Aid and Government Salary — and added that the Cabinet aims to finalise this reform by December.
During the event, the Minister announced several developmental initiatives for the school, including Rs 15 lakh under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF), ₹10 lakh for infrastructure enhancement, and two Maruti Eeco vans for student transport.
Rymbui assured that the formal work orders will be handed over during Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s visit to Amlarem on November 12, coinciding with the 50 Years Celebration of Amlarem Sub-Division.
In his keynote address, Rymbui praised the school for its resilience and achievements, noting that Mang Hai Ryum Higher Secondary School has “stood the test of time, overcoming challenges through grit, determination, and faith.”
Principal Tyrmei Chynnam Pamthied reminded on the school’s humble beginnings in a tin-roofed classroom where multiple classes were conducted together, to achieving a 100% pass result in the 2025 SSLC examination.
Cultural presentations showcasing Meghalaya’s diverse heritage — including Khasi, Jaintia, Garo, and Manipuri dances — enthralled the audience. Awards were presented to long-serving teachers, academic achievers (2007–2025), and current contributing staff.
A minute of silence was observed in memory of the late founder, (L) Smt. Aiom Pyngngad Pamthied, followed by the unveiling of the Silver Jubilee commemorative stone tablet, felicitation of guests, and cake cutting.
