Shillong: During his maiden visit to Nongspung A village under the Umling C&RD Block, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma received a formal appeal from the local community, drawing urgent attention to the village’s long-standing infrastructural challenges.
The appeal, presented by village headman George Marak, outlined several pressing issues—foremost among them the deteriorating state of the Nongspung A LP & UP School, poor road conditions, erratic electricity supply, and the absence of an Area Employment Council (AEC) building.
Established in 1976, the village school has served generations of children but is now in a state of severe disrepair.
Residents voiced deep concern over its crumbling walls, leaking roofs, and the lack of essential classroom furniture and educational materials.
The unsafe environment has sparked fears about the well-being and academic future of the village’s young learners, prompting calls for immediate renovation.
Road connectivity also remains a major concern. The stretch from 9th Mile to Nongspung A is riddled with potholes, lacks proper drainage, and is often rendered impassable during the rainy season.
Locals say the road’s poor condition not only disrupts daily movement and commerce but also poses grave risks during medical emergencies.
Adding to the list of challenges is the frequent and prolonged power outages, sometimes lasting up to four days.
The unreliable electricity supply has disrupted households, affected students’ studies, and hampered the functioning of local businesses.
In their letter, residents also proposed the construction of an Area Employment Council in the village—a move they believe could help address rising unemployment by opening up access to skill development, training, and job placement opportunities.
Responding to the concerns, the chief minister personally inspected the school and acknowledged the critical need for intervention.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya opens pathways for state nurses to work in Germany
He assured villagers that the government would prioritise the matter, announcing that funds would be sanctioned through the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF), alongside other state schemes, to develop new school infrastructure in a phased manner.
To encourage holistic development, Sangma also handed over a guitar and footballs to schoolchildren, promoting the importance of extracurricular activities alongside academic learning.
