Rs 500 crore mobilized to upgrade infrastructure in LP schools

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has assured that he will initiate steps to improve the infrastructure in elementary education across the State. The Chief Minister informed that the State government has mobilized funds close to Rs 500 crore from different funding agencies in addition to its own resources to renovate and upgrade infrastructure facilities in the LP schools across the State.

"Improved facilities in educational institutions will create an enabling environment for students and teachers alike," remarked Conrad K. Sangma.

He gave this assurance while inaugurating the new school building of the Bajengdoba Higher Secondary School in North Garo Garo Hills on Saturday. The school building was constructed with funds from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under its project entitled 'Supporting Human Capital Development Project in Meghalaya'.

Referring to the lack of even the basic amenities like electricity and water connection in this vital sector that grooms the future citizens at the grassroots level, the Chief Minister lauded the effort of the stakeholders — especially in the rural areas — in their concerted effort to better the educational facilities in the district.

Informing that education has been accorded topmost priority by the MDA government, the Chief Minister remarked that committed effort is being made by the government to improve infrastructure and learning facilities in the schools across Meghalaya. The new school building is equipped with new age teaching and learning tools and houses a computer lab and two smart classrooms for innovative learning.

MENDIPATHAR COLLEGE: Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Timothy D. Shira urged Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to provincialize the Medipathar College — the oldest college in North Garo Hills.

Mentioning that it is the second oldest college in Meghalaya — to be established in the late 1970s, he said the Mendipathar College deserves to be given its due recognition. He also said that as this institution is the only degree college in the district, the State government should initiate steps to prtovincialize it.

He also raised various developmental concerns of the district including road connectivity and bridges and sought ealry redressal of these issues so that the masses can enjoy hassle-free communication within the district.

HEALTH INFRA: On the occasion, he also said that the State Government is working to improve the Health infrastructure across the State, adding that Rs 350 crore has been earmarked for upgradation of the PHCs (Public Health Centres), CHCs (Community Health Centres) and other healthcare facilities across the State.

"There is an urgent need to improve the healthcare facilities as the majority of such care centres do not have adequate facilities, including accommodation for doctors, and paramedical staffs. In a phasewise manner, the government will use the earmarked funds to ensure better healthcare services for its people," added the Chief Minister.

WATER TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD: The Chief Minister also informed that the Ministry of Jal Shakti has sanctioned Rs 4000 crores to ensure that water reaches every household in the State. He further said that currently work is under progress and through the Central government's 'Jal Jeevan Mission', steps will be taken to ensure the pipewater connection is made available to every household across the State. He further said that more than six lakh households will benefit from this scheme in the rural areas of the State.