State 'Education Policy' has prioritised sector: Conrad K Sangma

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said that the 'Meghalaya Education Policy' has considered different scenarios and has prioritised the sector, so that the government is able to provide an ideal environment for the students to excel and grow. "We want the youth of Meghalaya to be able to shape the future of our State, we want our people to be competitive, patriotic, hardworking, skilled and qualified," he stressed.

He also informed that in the next six months, the government will roll out a scheme to ensure that infrastructure is created in the primary and elementary-level schools across the State.

He further said that if corrective steps were not taken on the scenario of enrolment which is the same across all the districts across the State, it will pose a serious challenge for the State as far as catering to the increasing number of admissions.

The Chief Minister made these observations on Sunday, while laying the foundation stone for construction of the new building of Captain W. A. Sangma Memorial College at Baghmara on the occasion of Captain Sangma's 30th Death Anniversary in presence of Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, MLA of Baghmara Samuel Sangma, MLA of Siju Rongara Rakkam A. Sangma, and others.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, "I was taken aback when I visited the college last time. It was the same as it was 12 years ago. In 2008, the college was accorded provincialisation. However, there has been no improvement insofar as its infrastructure is concerned". "Why did it take so long for mere Rs 12 crore for the College?" the Chief Minister questioned. Without blaming the past government for the lapses, the Chief Minister said, "12 years is too long. However, today the work has begun and we hope that the college will take shape in the next two years and will be able to benefit the students of the district."

He lauded Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui for his clarity in taking decisions, which has ensured intervention in the Education department for overall good of the State. "His (Rymbui) clarity of thoughts reflects in the decisions he takes," stated the Chief Minister.

Informing that when Rymbui presented the proposal for sanctioning of Rs 12 crore each to Capt Sangma College, the Williamnagar Government College and the Sohra Government College, he said, "The proposal was so clear that I did not take even two minutes to finalize and issue the necessary directions." The announcement for the sanction was made on the occasion of Independence Day this year.

"It was the vision of Late Dr Donkupar Roy and Late P. A. Sangma," said Conrad Sangma while elaborating that it was Late P.A. Sangma who had demanded provincialisation of the college in 2008, when Dr. Roy was the Chief Minister.

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