Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Sunday launched a series of major climate-focused and educational initiatives during a public event held at Mendipathar in North Garo Hills.
Accompanied by PHE Minister Marcuise Marak, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, and MLAs Marthon Sangma and Rupert Momin, the chief minister unveiled several projects aimed at promoting climate adaptation and enhancing educational infrastructure in the region.
Among the key initiatives was the formal launch of the Climate Adaptive Community-Based Water Harvesting Project, a flagship initiative supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with a project outlay of over Rs. 500 crore.
The project will be implemented across all districts of Meghalaya and is designed to improve water sustainability and resilience in vulnerable communities.
The chief minister also announced the launch of “Megh Adapt Pay,” a Rs. 47.19 crore initiative under the broader climate adaptation framework.
Implemented by the Soil and Water Conservation Department, the project focuses on afforestation, forest conservation, agricultural land development, and catchment area restoration.
Sangma emphasised the importance of community participation, noting that the government and local communities will work hand-in-hand to protect and restore degraded ecosystems and expand the state’s green cover.
In addition to environmental initiatives, the chief minister inaugurated two newly constructed hostels aimed at supporting girls’ education.
The Girls’ Hostel at Mendipathar College, built at a cost of Rs. 3 crore, will be operated on a not-for-profit basis by the Awe Self-Help Group. At Resubelpara, a Tribal Girls’ Hostel, constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crore, will be managed by Ramke Memorial School.
“These hostels will provide a safe, secure, and supportive living environment for girls, particularly those from remote areas, enabling them to pursue their education without barriers,” Sangma said during the ceremony.
Highlighting progress in education, the chief minister also expressed satisfaction over the state’s performance in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examination 2025.
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He noted that with the results of the recently held supplementary exam, the overall pass percentage had risen to 96 percent—one of the highest in the country.
He defended the government’s CM IMPACT guidebook, a learning aid introduced to support students preparing for board exams.
Addressing criticism, he said, “Some people have spoken negatively about the CM Impact guidebook, but students and parents know its value. This is an intervention to support those who lack access to study materials.”
“I’m extremely satisfied with the performance of our students,” he added. “The guidebook has helped them immensely, and I congratulate all those who passed.”
