In a remarkable milestone for Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the state’s first Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Pahamsyiem in Nongpoh constituency in Ri Bhoi district.The inaugural event also marked the commencement of academic sessions for the first batch of students enrolled in the institution. During the programme, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for two major projects in Pahamsyiem, which include the Synthetic Athletes Track at Chinchona Pahamsyiem, and the Convention Centre to be constructed by the state government.
The event was attended by Education Minister Lakmen Rymbui; Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla; Community and Rural Development Minister Sosthenes Sohtun; Nongpoh MLA Mayral Born Syiem; Nongpoh MDC Rona Khymdeit; Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, and several senior government officials. The inaugural event also saw active participation of village leaders, parents, youths, and students who will be studying in the newly established residential school. Speaking as chief guest, the Chief Minister said the successful rollout of such initiatives is made possible due to the commitment and support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry, and the Government of India, allowing major developmental projects to reach Meghalaya.
Sangma said the EMRS programme is a significant blessing for the state’s students, providing them with access to high-quality education backed by the central government.Highlighting the government’s priority on education, the Chief Minister said that in just seven years, the state’s budget allocation for the education sector has seen a substantial rise — from Rs 2,000 crore in 2018 to Rs 3,500 crore in 2025, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education.
He reiterated that education remains a top priority because only through strengthening the education system can meaningful and transformative development take place across all sectors in the state.The Chief Minister also informed that many more EMRS institutions are in the pipeline, with 38 schools already sanctioned and a total investment of Rs 1,400 crore earmarked for their construction—an enormous benefit for the education and upliftment of the state’s youth.