Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Samanda, Rikwarenggre in East Garo Hills district, marking the commencement of the institution’s academic session.
The programme was attended by Marcuise N. Marak, Minister of Housing, PHE Department and Soil and Water Conservation Department, and other dignitaries.
The programme began with registration of participants, including EMRS students, parents and local leaders. The Chief Minister and the dignitaries were ceremonially escorted by the Wangala troupe, followed by the unveiling of the commemorative plaque.
In his address, the Chief Minister described the inauguration as a memorable and gratifying occasion that marked another important addition to the state’s education infrastructure.
Recalling the vision of late P. A. Sangma and his deep faith in education, he said ongoing efforts to reform and transform the state’s education system made the inauguration especially meaningful.
Emphasising the importance of education, he stated that “education is the biggest agent of change and the biggest development for a nation, state and society,” and added that investing in quality schools and colleges for the youth would yield long-term benefits.
Highlighting reforms introduced in the education sector since 2018, the Chief Minister said nearly 80 percent of LP and UP schools across the state have been renovated or provided with new buildings where required.
Sangma noted that the MBOSE syllabus has been upgraded and the examination system streamlined, while the introduction of CM Impact Books for Class X students contributed to a 96 percent pass percentage in last year’s SSLC examinations.
He added that the government would extend renovation efforts to Ad Hoc, SSA and deficit schools, and that the pay structure of SSA teachers has been finalized, bringing positive changes to the sector.
Stressing the need for a supportive ecosystem, he said, “we need to create a conducive and secure educational environment not only for students but for teachers as well.”
The Chief Minister informed that there are 38 EMRS schools across the state and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Prime Minister for their continued support.
Responding to requests from the school authorities, he announced that 20 computers would be funded for the institution under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund and assured that issues relating to telecom connectivity would be taken up with the concerned authorities. He also requested the PHE Minister to follow up on improving water supply to the school.
Addressing the gathering, Marcuise N. Marak thanked the A’king Nokma for donating land for the school and said the institution would benefit students from Samanda and adjoining areas. He noted that faculty from different parts of the country would expose students to diverse cultural experiences and promote national integration.
Urging students to study diligently and make full use of the opportunity, he stressed that education is key to development and called on parents to actively support their children’s education.
He emphasized the importance of preserving local languages, including Garo, Khasi and Jaintia, while encouraging students to learn Hindi, observing that teachers from different states would help students gain fluency and strengthen their communication skills.