From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Dec 11: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday inaugurated Meghalaya’s first Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Pahamsyiem in Ri Bhoi district.
Constructed with support from the Tribal Affairs Ministry, the school has already started its academic session.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for two additional projects in Pahamsyiem—a synthetic athletic track and a convention centre. He thanked the central government for the EMRS.
“I thank the Prime Minister, the Tribal Affairs Minister and the Government of India for blessing our young students with this programme and infrastructure,” Sangma said, addressing a gathering.
He reiterated that education has been one of the core priorities of his government over the past seven and a half years. He highlighted the rise in the education budget from Rs 2,000 crore in 2018 to over Rs 3,500 crore in 2025, and the substantial investments in school buildings, classrooms, digital libraries, classroom infrastructure and teacher training.
“Education is not just textbooks, knowledge or examinations. It is about shaping the future of our state—building character, values and principles on which a great nation stands,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges within the education sector, noting that complexities have built up over decades, but stressed that the government is steadily steering improvements.
Sangma said development is being carried out uniformly across Meghalaya. “We do not believe that because a region is not my community or tribe, it should be neglected. When you become the Chief Minister, you are the Chief Minister for those who voted for you and for those who did not,” he said.
He remarked that it is common for people to claim favouritism whenever a project is inaugurated in any region. “If something is inaugurated in the Khasi Hills, someone says nothing is going to the Garo Hills. When something comes up in Garo Hills, someone else says nothing is going to Khasi Hills. We must stop this divisive mindset. It is toxic for us. We are working for everyone,” he added.
Calling for unity and a positive outlook, he urged the youth to celebrate progress across the state.
“Whether a project comes up in Garo Hills, Nongpoh, Nongstoin, Williamnagar or Khliehriat, it is our people and our state that are being developed. Our youngsters are benefiting. We should be proud and happy,” the Chief Minister said.
The event was also attended by Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, Community and Rural Development Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, Nongpoh MDC Rona Khymdeit, senior government officials and other dignitaries.
