Committed to boost Education sector: CM Conrad Sangma

–United Kharkutta Higher Secondary School to be upgraded; New building of Omed Memorial Secondary School inaugurated in North Garo Hills District

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in the presence of Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin laid the foundation for upgradation of the United Kharkutta Higher Secondary School in North Garo Hills District on Monday.

Established in 1953 by the leaders of six villages -- namely Kharkutta, Melopara, Tengabari, Salpara, Kholaipara and Kamagandim-- the school was brought under the deficit system in 1959 and provincialized in 1981. In 2002, the school was upgraded to the Higher Secondary level. Currently, the school building is in a dilapidated condition with inadequate infrastructure.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, ''Education is a priority of the Government. Creation of better educational infrastructure will go a long way in providing a better academic environment for the students."

On MDA's commitment to realise the aspirations of the people, he said, "The NPP made a commitment to the people during election; and to fulfil the mandate, the Government came up with the 'Education Policy' within six months of taking over the reins of the Government."

Commending the initiative made by the community, the Chief Minister said, "The school has served the community for over 68 years since its inception in 1953. It was a result of collective community leadership of six villages in the area. It continues to serve students from various backgrounds. Its sole purpose is to educate and bring higher education closer to the students. I am extremely happy to be here to announce the start of this project for such a well-deserved community".

Sangma also urged the school authorities to ensure completion of the Rs 4 crore-infrastructure upgradation project by December 2022.

The Chief Minister urged the people of Kharkutta to take advantage of the village's proximity with Assam by pursuing various entrepreneurial activities as a source of livelihood. He assured the government will provide all support to the people to promote business and economic activities in the area.

The Chief Minister thanked the Kharkutta legislator Momin for approaching the government to sanction funds for revamping the new school building.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the new building of the Omed Memorial Secondary School at Rajasimla in North Garo Hills district. It is christened in honour of Omed W Momin, the first person from the Garo community who converted to Christianity. The Omed Memorial Secondary School was established at the centre of Rajasimla Village, near the stream of Rongdal-Rongkil way back on February 17, 1969.

The school was opened in 1971, received Adhoc grant in 1974 and came under the deficit system 1983. According to school authorities, the educational institute will be upgraded to the Higher Secondary-level by the next academic year.

Speaking at the inauguration programme, the Chief Minister thanked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Education Department for initiating the 'Supporting Human Capital Development Project' in Meghalaya. The project aims at enabling the creation of infrastructure facilities to improve the quality of education across the State.

Sangma added that through a synergistic approach, the government will be able to provide better teaching-and-learning opportunities. He stated, "The onus of developing the Education sector is a collective process; and the society along with the government must work together to further the interest of the students and lead them to a bright future."

Expressing his concern over the poor pass percentage across the State, he called for cooperation from all stakeholders to partner with the government in encouraging the children to pursue their education and see that the process is carried to its logical conclusion. He added, "The creation of better learning infrastructure will motivate the teachers and will spark interest among the youths to complete their education".

He stated, "The MDA Government's unbridled aim is to revamp the infrastructure in the Education sector and improve literacy in the rural areas."

Lauding the active community leadership in North Garo Hills, the CM said, ''It is heartening to learn about the exemplary community leadership in North Garo Hills that has resulted in the fruition of projects that will improve the lives of young people and the society at large. We should learn from such inspiring communities."

Recalling the work of late P. A. Sangma, he said, " A portion of the school was constructed with funds sanctioned from the MP Scheme during the tenure of my father, (late) P.A. Sangma. I am glad to have this opportunity to inaugurate the new school building which has the imprint of such inspiring leadership".

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