Shillong: Meghalaya stands out as the sole state in the Northeast region that provides financial support to private schools through grant-in-aid, benefiting over 4,000 institutions, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced on Thursday. Speaking at the Closing Ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Nongkrem Government Upper Primary School in East Khasi Hills, Sangma emphasized the government’s commitment to education.
He revealed that the state allocates a substantial Rs. 1,967 crore towards teacher salaries, which includes Rs. 684 crore for teachers in government schools and Rs. 917 crore supporting ad hoc staff and private institutions. “No other state in the Northeast provides such backing to private schools,” he stated firmly.
While congratulating Nongkrem School on its impressive 75-year journey, the chief minister acknowledged the significant contributions of previous principals, teachers, and students in shaping the institution’s history. He underscored the crucial role of human capital in the state’s development, asserting that government initiatives in infrastructure, educational programs, and teacher salaries are fundamentally linked to youth advancement.
“The greatest investment any government can make is in human capital. Without it, other investments are meaningless,” he added, highlighting the need for further improvement in learning outcomes. Sangma called for enhanced teacher training and a more holistic approach to development.
Quoting a Chinese proverb, he remarked, “Investing in people yields long-term benefits, and nurturing students will provide returns for eternity.” In response to requests for upgrading the school to Secondary or Higher Secondary levels, he stated that while consultations are necessary, support would be provided for smart classrooms, computer labs, and musical instruments through the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
Sangma also shared his personal connection to Nongkrem, pledging continued government support for the region’s development and socioeconomic welfare. During the event, he released the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir. B. J. Kharshandi, Director of the Directorate of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), praised Nongkrem School for maintaining high educational standards despite having a modest enrollment of 128 students and 12 teachers, emphasizing the critical importance of quality education, diligent teacher recruitment, and the dedication of educators in facilitating effective learning.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/meghalaya/meghalaya-is-northeasts-only-state-providing-grant-in-aid-to-private-schools-cm/34397/
Category: Meghalaya,Aid,CM Conrad K Sangma,Nongkrem school,Private schools
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Publish Date: 2025-10-16 18:44:00
