Shillong: Meghalaya has over 14,000 schools supported by 55,000 teachers, with nearly Rs. 1,000 crore spent annually on grants to private, ad hoc, and deficit schools — a reflection of the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector despite challenges such as high dropout rates and low pass percentages.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reaffirmed this commitment while attending the closing ceremony of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Pynursla, on Tuesday, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s initiative to support non-government schools in expanding their higher secondary sections.
Congratulating the institution for 25 years of service in delivering quality education, he praised its dedication to nurturing both academic and moral excellence.
“Today, we celebrate not just 25 years of the Higher Secondary School, but nearly 70 years since the founding of the LP section — a journey of faith, sacrifice, hard work, and commitment,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s focus on improving educational infrastructure, particularly in rural and border areas such as Pynursla, Sangma stressed that the education sector remains a top priority for the administration to ensure inclusive and equitable access.
He acknowledged the invaluable role of the Salesians of Don Bosco in shaping Meghalaya’s education system, saying, “The Salesians have contributed to our state, our region, and our country like no other congregation.”
Quoting an age-old Chinese proverb, he reminded the audience of the importance of investing in human potential: “If you want returns in one year, plant flowers. If you want returns in ten years, plant trees. But if you want returns for eternity, plant people.”
Informing that 15 per cent of Meghalaya’s annual budget- Rs. 3,654 crore — is allocated to education, the chief minister said, “We are proud of this investment. Because of it, our education system has grown and evolved, even though we still face challenges such as high dropout rates and low pass percentages.”
To further strengthen private institutions, Sangma announced that the government will extend financial support ranging from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 1 crore to selected schools across the state for upgrading their higher secondary sections.
He added that the scheme will help non-government schools enhance infrastructure and introduce new academic streams, assuring that St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Pynursla, will be among the first beneficiaries.
Sharing an anecdote about his late father, P. A. Sangma, he lauded the church’s transparency and efficiency in utilising public funds, recalling how a Rs. 5 lakh contribution once helped build a two-story school building with 14 classrooms.
He extended his gratitude to the Salesian fathers, past and present school leaders, and teaching and non-teaching staff for their contribution to shaping generations of students.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya to seek review of Supreme Court order making TET mandatory for serving teachers
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also attended the event, commended St. Anthony’s for its 25 years of dedicated service, calling the milestone “a moment of pride and gratitude for the entire community.”
He recalled that around the year 2000, St. Anthony’s was the only higher secondary school in the entire Pynursla region and lauded the institution’s remarkable growth since then.
The Silver Jubilee celebration featured hymns and performances by the school choir, a felicitation ceremony honouring jubileans, cultural presentations by students, and a thanksgiving prayer led by the clergy.
The event was also attended by Minister of Arts and Culture Sanbor Shullai and Pynursla MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri.
