A REPORTER
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the new building of Mt. Sinai Secondary School in Tura on Saturday. The new building was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore funded under 'Supporting Human Capital Development' scheme of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
As part of the project, seven new classrooms were constructed, including the arts and crafts room, girls' activity room, computer room, and the digital classroom besides the Science laboratory and the library. The project also includes among other features also furniture, instalment of computer and digital classroom equipment, and modules for subject-expert training modules.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Minister underscored on the importance of skill-based learning. "The government is committed to tap the potential of youths. Focusing on this core component, the State's policy aims at enabling every youth to hone on to the skills of his or her choice," he said. He added that the Government of Meghalaya is set to roll out more programmes under the 'One Skill, One talent' scheme, under which, the youths will get the platform in the sector they prefer to take up as a career option.
Talking about holistic education by ensuring proper infrastructure and learning environment, he said, "We need to instill values in young people and bring them up to become responsible citizens of society."
The Chief Minister also shed light on the ambitious programme of the government to upgrade about 800 LP (Lower Primary) schools across the State. "We have identified the LP schools, wherein upgrading of infrastructure will begin soon," he added.
He also informed the gathering on the various infrastructure development interventions taken by the government on urban beautification of Tura Town, including the state-of-the-art 'PA Sangma Stadium', district museum, and the 'Tribal Research Institute'.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh said, ''Upgrading infrastructure is one aspect; but, we must encourage students to focus on their goals, and also encourage leadership among them. He also motivated the students to avail opportunities in mainstream competitive exams like the IITs, and in UPSC and SSCs, where reservation for tribal students were available.